Thrombophlebitis diagnosed on indium-111 labelled white cell scan

A 64-year-old lady with type 2 diabetes and a non-resolving right foot ulcer, had an indium-111 labelled white cell scan (indium-111 WCS) to investigate the possibility of underlying osteitis. The scan suggested the possibility of infective thrombophlebitis. Unknown to the clinical team who requested the scan and the radiologist who performed it, the lady was admitted to hospital 2 days following the procedure with cellulitis and septic thrombophlebitis in the right leg. There is only one previous report in the literature of septic thrombophlebitis being diagnosed in this way. Perhaps indium-111 WCS has something to offer in the diagnosis of this condition and in determining those who require antibiotic treatment.