Combination Marrow Scan and Indium-Labeled White Blood Cell Scan

The combination of a In-111 white blood cell scan and Tc-sulfur colloid scintigraphy is very sensitive and specific for osteomyelitis in prosthetic devices.

Leukocytes and sulfur colloid both accumulate within bone marrow, whereas only leukocytes accumulate at sites of infection. Visualization of Tc-sulfur colloid and labeled leukocytes in the same location indicates presence of marrow. An area of labeled leukocyte activity without corresponding accumulation of sulfur colloid indicates infection.

References

Love C, Tomas MB, Marwin SE, Pugliese PV, Palestro CJ. Role of nuclear medicine in diagnosis of the infected joint replacement. Radiographics. 2001 Sep-Oct;21(5):1229-38.