111-Indium platelets in monitoring pancreatic allografts in man

A technique for monitoring pancreatic allografts in man is presented. The method utilizes 111-indium labelled autologous platelets and provides quantitative and qualitative analysis of uptake of the tracer by the graft. Five patients without any significant accumulation of radiolabelled platelets in their transplants had an uneventful recovery and left hospital with satisfactory graft function. The three patients who suffered graft failure showed abnormal uptake of the tracer. This presented as a diffuse platelet accumulation within the transplanted pancreas in the case of acute rejection, or as a focal accumulation in two cases of venous thrombosis. Minor complications such as perigraft haematoma can also be diagnosed using this technique. We suggest that 111-indium labelled platelets provide a valuable diagnostic aid in the management of pancreatic transplant recipients.