Clinical use of 99m Tc-HMPAO-labeled platelets in cerebral sinus thrombosis imaging

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are not always conclusive for the detection of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).99mTc-HMPAO-labeled platelets may be useful in cases with high clinical suspicion. Three patients with headaches with or without intraparenchymal hemorrhage that were highly suspected to have CVST, despite inconclusive anatomical imaging, were selected for inclusion in the study. Platelets were extracted by two rounds of centrifugation from 49  ml of the patient’s whole blood. The platelets were labeled with99mTc-HMPAO and any unbound99mTc was removed by centrifugation. The re-suspension of99mTc-HMPAO-labeled platelets in cell-free plasma was reinjected into the patients. After 2  h, planar and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images of the head were obtained. Extensive clots were detected in all three patients, illustrated in the planar image and even clearer in the SPECT images. We propose that99mTc-HMPAO-labeled platelet scan is a favorable imaging method for patients suspected to have CVST with inconclusive CT and MRI results.
Source: Acta Neurologica Belgica - Category: Neurology Source Type: research