Radioactivity Over the Spleen and Liver Following the Transfusion of Chromium51-Labelled Erythrocytes in Hemolytic Anemia1

Abstract

The ratio spleen: liver radioactivity as determined by external scintillation counting after the infusion of Cr51-labeled erythrocytes was used to determine organ localization of red cells in 7 control subjects and 14 patients with hemolytic anemia. As anticipated, the spleen accumulated radioactivity rapidly following the transfusion of labeled spherocytes. Some patients with acquired hemolytic anemia showed gross evidence of trapped radioactive red cells in their spleen. Removal of the spleen was beneficial in 5 such cases. One patient showing no evidence of splenic red cell trapping, was splenectomized without benefiting the hemolytic process. The method described is useful in selecting patients for splenectomy.