Indium (111In)-labelled platelets in the diagnosis of renal transplant rejection: preliminary findings

Abstract

Eleven patients with recent kidney transplants underwent serial pelvic imaging after autologous platelet labeling with 111In. Rejection was accompanied by marked platelet deposition in the graft; acute tubular necrosis was characterized by minimal platelet accumulation. The method was quantified by comparing counts over the graft to counts from a similar area on the opposite site, and appears to distinguish between the 2 main causes of renal failure after transplantation. In addition, complications of transplant surgery may be demonstrated.