The use of radioisotopic tests for diagnosing lower limb venous thrombosis - own research

Inflammatory mediators play an important role in thrombosis etiopathology. Diagnostic radioisotopic tests can be used to assess the activity of thrombo-inflammatory process. The aim of the study was to assess the suitability of Tc-99m HMPAO labelled leukocyte scintigraphy in the diagnostics of deep vein thrombosis.

The study covered 45 patients with lower limb deep vein thrombosis treated in 2009 at the Department of Vascular, General and Transplantological Surgery of the Wrocław Medical University. Scintigraphic test were performed during the first few days after the onset of symptoms and 8 weeks later.

All patients with active deep vein thrombosis had higher levels of TC-99m-HMPAO markers in sick limbs. After 8 weeks, 93% of patients still had elevated levels of radioisotope in limbs with an active thrombosis process. However, the levels of markers were clearly lower than in the acute phase of thrombosis.

1. In the chronic phase of thrombosis, 93% of patients still have higher levels of radioisotopic markers, which indicates an active inflammatory process. 2. Tc-99m HMPAO labelled leukocyte scintigraphy demonstrates high sensitivity in the diagnostics of deep vein thrombosis.