Comparisons of scintigraphy with In-111 leukocytes and Ga-67 in the diagnosis of occult sepsis

J Nucl Med. 1982 Jul;23(7):618-26.

Abstract

In a prospective study involving 32 patients with clinical suspicion of focal infection, the sensitivity and specificity of In-111-labeled leukocyte (In-WBC) scintigraphy were compared with those of Ga-67 scintigraphy performed 24-48 hr later. Of a total of 192 body sites studied, 26 foci of infection were diagnosed by aspiration, cultures, or chest radiographs. Indium-WBC indicated 19 (73%) true-positive (TP) and four (2.5%) false-positive (FP) foci of abnormal accretion; Ga-67 had 21 (81%) TP and 15 (9%) FP. The 7/26 (27%) false-negative (FN) In-WBC scintigrams involved infection foci of more than 2-wk duration; the 5/26 (19%) FN Ga-67 studies were in patients with infections manifested for less than 1 wk. The results of this study are useful in considering the indications of the two tracers.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Abscess / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • False Negative Reactions
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Gallium Radioisotopes*
  • Humans
  • Indium*
  • Leukocytes*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Rabbits
  • Radioisotopes*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Sepsis / diagnostic imaging*

Substances

  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Radioisotopes
  • Indium