Gallium-67 SPECT/CT Detection of Lower Extremity Muscle Abscess in Vibrio vulnificus Infection.

A 65-year-old man on maintenance hemodialysis for chronic renal failure and hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis developed Vibrio vulnificus bacteremia after consuming raw seafood, including sashimi. Initial contrast-enhanced CT showed no obvious signs of inflammation, but due to persistent fever and bilateral lower-limb pain, gallium-67 scintigraphy was subsequently performed. SPECT/CT imaging showed multiple intramuscular abscesses, particularly in the gastrocnemius muscles. Follow-up CT confirmed abscess formation, prompting ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage along with targeted antibiotic therapy. Gradual clinical improvement was observed. This case highlights the utility of gallium-67 SPECT/CT for detecting deep soft-tissue infections, allowing early diagnosis and timely intervention in high-risk patients.