Radiolabeled autologous leukocyte scanning in abscess detection

Use of ultrasonography, computed tomography,67gallium scintiscanning, and111indium scintiscanning of labeled autologous leukocytes in the detection of intra‐abdominal infection is reviewed.111In scintiscanning in 405 patients demonstrated 152 sites of acute inflammation or septic foci in the abdomen in 138 patients; the calculated specificity was 92% and the overall diagnostic accuracy was approximately 90%. Success with111In scintiscanning has led us to use it routinely as a screening procedure 5 and 10 days postoperatively to detect intraperitoneal sepsis in high risk postoperative patients.