In-111-labeled white blood cell uptake in noninfected closed fracture in humans: prospective study

Radiology. 1988 May;167(2):495-8. doi: 10.1148/radiology.167.2.3357961.

Abstract

Since indium-111 white blood cell (In-111 WBC) scintigraphy is often used to evaluate for osteomyelitis in bone fractures, it is important to know if noninfected fractures have In-111 WBC uptake. Twenty-seven noninfected closed fracture sites in 19 patients were prospectively evaluated with technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy and In-111 WBC scintigraphy. In-111 WBC uptake was present in 41% of the 27 sites. In the 11 positive sites, the In-111 WBC uptake was 1+ (definite but minimal) in 55%, 2+ (moderate) in 36%, and 3+ (marked) in 9%. The visual intensity of the radioactive uptake on In-111 WBC scintigrams relative to that on bone scintigrams was less in 82%, equal in 9%, and greater in 9%. The visual size of the area of uptake on In-111 WBC scintigrams and bone scintigrams was smaller in 36%, equal in 55%, and greater in 9%. Factors that may help distinction of In-111 WBC uptake due to fracture alone from infection associated with fracture are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Fractures, Closed / complications
  • Fractures, Closed / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Indium Radioisotopes*
  • Leukocytes*
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteomyelitis / complications
  • Osteomyelitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Technetium Tc 99m Medronate

Substances

  • Indium Radioisotopes
  • Technetium Tc 99m Medronate