The Diagnosis of True and False Aneurysms With 111-Indium Labelled Platelets

Thrombus formation within arterial aneurysms may lead to embolisation and distal ischaemia. We have investigated the use of 111-indium labelled plate-lets in the diagnosis of atherosclerotic and false aneurysms. Autologous platelets labelled with 111-indium oxine were injected into patients with eleven proven aneurysms (8 atherosclerotic, 3 false). Gamma camera imaging performed be-tween 24 and 72 hours later was positive for 10 of the aneurysms. In every case there was increased uptake of label over the aneurysm when compared to undis-eased blood vessels (p < 0.05). Most aneurysms could be demonstrated within 24 hours of labelling platelets. 111-indium labelled platelets may prove useful in identifying the source of peripheral arterial emboli