Objectives: The accumulation of 99mTc-pertechnetate in Warthin's tumor was estimated scintigraphically and histopathologically to determine the role of the epithelial component in scintigraphy.
Study design: Six cases underwent histopathologic examination and scintigraphic evaluation with 99mTc-pertechnetate. Histopathologically the tumors were classified into types according to the epithelial component and cystic space and compared with scintigraphic results evaluated by dynamic radioactive index and wash-out image.
Results: Histopathologic and scintigraphic observations showed an adequate correlation. Cases with a large epithelial component and poor cystic space showed a large radioactive index of dynamic scintigraphy and hot accumulation of wash-out image.
Conclusion: The scintigraphic results were chiefly due to the epithelial component, but the influence of the cystic space could not be disregarded.