Indium-111 platelet imaging

Although platelet imaging has entered the clinical arena in a number of instances, it continues to have an important investigational role. It has been used to evaluate the viability of stored platelets as well as the in vivo distribution of destruction of platelets in patients having a variety of hematologic conditions. Preliminary studies have shown platelet deposition at the site of balloon angioplasty. It is possible that this technique may be used to predict sites of restenosis and to monitor the efficacy of antithrombotic therapy. Several studies have used labeled platelets to monitor platelet deposition and efficacy of therapy aimed at maintaining patency of arterial prosthetic grafts. It may also be used to detect coronary thrombi with or without background subtraction, and has been used to detect pulmonary emboli