Abstract
ABSTRACT
Measurement of the clearance of aerosolized 99mTc-diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) from the lungs is a safe and noninvasive method for detecting changes in the lung epithelium. However, after 10 years of studies in animals and humans, the method has not fulfilled some of the early expectations that it would become a powerful diagnostic tool for detecting pathological changes in lung epithelial function. This article reviews studies involving the measurement of DTPA clearance and concludes that the problem lies in both the technique's lack of specificity for a unique pathological change in the epithelium, and our lack of understanding of the role of the lung epithelium in lung injury. Objectives for future research are suggested.
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