Detection of arterial thrombosis after laser angioplasty by platelet scintigraphy.

Indium-111-labelled platelet scintigraphy was performed in two patients after laser-assisted balloon angioplasty. Both patients demonstrated a significant 'hot spot' at the angioplasty site 24 h after successful recanalisation with laser and balloon. Clinically apparent thrombosis of the recanalised arteries occurred 5 and 6 days after angioplasty in both patients. Laser-assisted balloon angioplasty leads to significant platelet deposition over recanalised segments of the artery, which may result in arterial thrombosis, as evident from the reports presented. Indium-111-labelled platelet scintigraphy emphasises the extent of trauma caused by laser and balloon angioplasty to the arterial wall.