(99m)Tc-pertechnetate scintigraphy and endoscopy in assessment of caustic-induced gastric mucosal injury.

Endoscopy is the gold standard for evaluating caustic-induced gastric mucosal injury. Injuries ≥ 2b (confluent ulceration or charring) are associated with perforation and cicatrisation. Grade 1-2a injuries recover without intervention. Grade 2b and 3 injuries require observation and may need intervention. (99m)Tc-pertechnetate imaging can assess gastric viability after caustic injury. We correlated (99m)Tc-pertechnetate SPECT/CT with endoscopic findings in 4 patients with increasing grades of caustic-induced gastric mucosal injury.