Efficacy of protein leakage scintigraphy in diagnosing milk protein allergy in infants: A case report

Abstract

Abstract A 3-year-old girl was hospitalized for examining the lower leg edema. The blood examination revealed TP (3.6 g/dL), Alb (1.7 g/dL), and hypoproteinemia. In addition, 99m Tc-HSA-D scintigraphy was performed to ascertain the presence of protein leakage from the intestinal tract. Although a diffuse RI distribution in the left lower quadrant was observed in a 1-h image, the movement of the RI distribution to the right lower quadrant was observed in the 6h image acquired after the meal. Furthermore, the colon was being illustrated in the 24-h image. We confirmed the existence of protein leakage from the small intestinal mucosa. On interviewing the mother regarding the usual dietary content, it was found that approximately 800 mL of milk was fed to the patient per day. An allergy test revealed milk allergy, which was diagnosed as a series of protein-losing gastroenteropathy caused by excessive milk consumption.