Immunoscintigraphic imaging of inflammatory lesions: preliminary findings and future possibilities.

Mixed leukocytes separated in vivo from patients' blood and labeled with lipophilic chelates of 111In and 99mTc are now used clinically for imaging inflammatory foci in many medical centers worldwide. Recent immunological advances have prompted investigations about using radiolabeled antibodies potentially specific for human neutrophils, labeling of these blood cells in vivo, and imaging inflammatory processes in patients. Early results are encouraging, allowing abscesses to be imaged with high specificity and presenting only minimal (10% to 20%) adverse immunogenic responses. However, problems remain, including low immunospecificity and lengthy procedures for radiolabeling of antibodies. These areas are currently subjects to further research that in time will contribute to make this modality convenient, simple, and efficacious.