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[Detection of intracardiac thromboses with 111-In platelet scintigraphy]
Insights
Indium-111 platelet scintigraphy effectively detected intracardial thrombi in patients with suspected brain embolism. This diagnostic method aids in identifying the source of embolisms, improving patient diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Cardiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Brain embolism diagnosis can be challenging, often requiring identification of cardiac sources.
- Traditional diagnostic methods may not always pinpoint the origin of emboli effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of Indium-111 labelled platelet scintigraphy in diagnosing intracardial thrombi.
- To assess the role of this imaging technique in patients with suspected cardial embolisms.
Main Methods:
- Performed scintigraphy using Indium-111 labelled platelets in 11 patients.
- Correlated scintigraphy findings with echocardiography and angiography.
- Assessed thrombus presence in cardiac chambers (left ventricle, left atrium).
Main Results:
- Indium-111 platelet scintigraphy identified intracardial thrombi in 6 out of 11 patients.
- Echocardiography showed no abnormalities in 2 patients with positive scintigraphy scans.
- Angiography revealed transient internal carotid artery occlusions in these patients, which resolved later.
Conclusions:
- Indium-111 platelet scintigraphy is a valuable tool for detecting intracardial thrombi.
- It enhances diagnostic capabilities for questionable cardial embolisms.
- This method aids in identifying potential embolic sources originating from the heart.
Abstract:
A scintigraphy with Indium-111 labelled platelets was performed in 11 patients with suspected brain embolism. In six patients, an intracardial thrombus was found: four in the region of the left ventricle and two in the left atrial. The echocardiography revealed no pathological findings in 2 of the 6 patients with positive scans. Angiography in both patients indicated occlusions of the carotis interna siphon, which frequently accompany embolisms. Subsequent angiographies four weeks later showed that the occlusions had reopened. The thrombus investigation, performed with the aid of Indium-111 platelet scintigraphy, appears to be a valuable extension of the present diagnostic potential in the determination of questionable cardial embolisms.