Colloid Shift

Source:  Colloid Shift    Tag:  roentgen definition
In 99mTc Sulfur colloid scan, a colloid shift refers to the abnormal biodistribution of radiotracer.

Figure 1: Normal sulfur colloid biodistribution shows radiotracer predominantly within the liver.In a normal sulfur colloid scan, 80-90% of the injected colloid particles end up in the liver. The majority of the remainder localizes to the spleen. What little is left, ends up in the bone marrow, but usually in insufficient amounts to show up on imaging.

Figure 2: Colloid shift is seen in this sulfur colloid scan with increased radiotracer uptake in the spleen and bone marrow. Also seen here is hepatosplenomegaly.When this normal biodistribution is disrupted, we get increased uptake of radiotracer in the spleen and bone marrow compared to the liver.

The most common causes of colloid shift are hepatic cirrhosis, diffuse hepatic metastases, diabetes, and blunt trauma to the spleen (Briggs and Amberson, 1987).


Briggs RC and Amberson SM. Colloid Shift Following Blunt Trauma. J NuclMed 28:188-190, 1987 Mettler FA and Guiberteau MJ. Chapter 8: Gastrointestinal Tract. In Essentials of Nuclear Medicine Imaging. Fifth Edition. Saunders, Philadelphia. 2006