6533b86cfe1ef96bd12c89ad

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Die Milzszintigraphie als Methode zur funktionellen Milzanalyse

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1. Percussion and palpation are only a superficial and subjective measure for the determination of a splenic tumor. Comparative scintigraphic and clinical investigations in more than 4,000 patients have shown that about 50% of spleens weighing between 600 and 750 g are not palpable. Considering the widespread use of radioisotope scanning it seems justified to claim that the size of the spleen during clinical investigation should be determined by a scan. In scientific problems one has to insist on the use of this method in any case. 2. Depending on the fact that until now no functional test for the spleen is available, it is of great importance that it is now possible to carry out a highly accurate test of the integrity of the microstructure of the spleen using heat denatured erythrocytes. Due to the selective accumulation of heat denatured erythrocytes in the spleen these cells can also be used for the estimation of splenic blood flow. 3. Our investigations have shown that in a number of diseases there are detectable alterations of the filter function of the spleen in a very early stage. The differences in function are so remarkable in several diseases that they can be used as criteria for a differential diagnosis. As an example cases of untreated chronic myeloid leukemia and of osteomyelofibrosis are discussed. This functional test allows at the same time to detect variations of the structure of the reticuloendothelial system and to evaluate them numerically.