Which radiopharmaceutical is common for imaging gastroesophageal reflux in both adults and children?

The correct choice for imaging gastroesophageal reflux in both adults and children is 99mTc sulfur colloid. This radiopharmaceutical is commonly used because it provides good imaging characteristics and is effective in evaluating gastric emptying and reflux conditions.

99mTc sulfur colloid is a colloidal suspension that can be administered orally or intramuscularly. When used for gastric studies, it allows for clear visualization of the esophagus and stomach, helping clinicians evaluate the presence and severity of gastroesophageal reflux. It effectively localizes in the gastric tissue and helps in assessing the movement of the radionuclide, which is essential for diagnosing reflux conditions.

In comparison, 98mTc sulfur colloid is not commonly used in clinical practice and does not have the same recognition or standard applications as its 99mTc counterpart. 99mTc pertechnetate, while useful for other specific imaging applications, such as thyroid studies and Meckel’s scans, is not routinely used for gastroesophageal reflux studies. Similarly, 99mTc albumin primarily finds application in perfusion studies and has limited utility in assessing conditions related to reflux.