Use of 111In-labeled autologous leukocytes to image an abdominal abscess in a horse.

The research article discusses a study where Indium 111-labeled autologous leukocytes were successfully used to identify an abdominal abscess in a horse with a palpable abdominal mass and a prior Streptococcus equi infection.

Overview of the Study

• The study was conducted on a horse that had a palpable abdominal mass and a history of infection from Streptococcus equi, which had resulted in the formation of an abdominal abscess.
• The researchers used autologous leukocytes, meaning the horse’s white blood cells, which were labelled with Indium 111, a radioactive tracer, to image the abscess area.
• They discovered that a specific area showing radioactivity corresponded with the location of the abscess.

Optimal Imaging Time

• The researchers observed that the imaging of the focal uptake (area with radioactivity) was most optimal 48 hours after the injection of the Indium 111-labeled leukocytes.

Comparative Analysis

• Images from two healthy horses were used as a comparative analysis.
• In these healthy horses, no focal radioactivity was observed, indicating that the use of Indium 111-labeled leukocytes was effective in distinguishing the areas with abscesses.

Efficiency and Side Effects

• The efficiency of labeling the leukocytes was notable, with an 87.5% success rate.
• However, it was also observed that there was substantial damage to the white blood cells, which resulted in persistent levels of lung radioactivity across all images.
• No adverse effects due to the procedure were reported, ensuring its safety for the horse.

Radiation Measurements and Safety

• Post the procedure, the radiation levels measured in the horse and its excreta were recorded.
• The radiation levels were found to be well within acceptable limits, further testifying to the safety of the Indium 111-labeled leukocytes procedure for imaging abdominal abscesses in horses.