A comparison of radiolabelled agents for thrombus imaging using a rabbit model

The quantitative uptakes of five potential thrombus-localizing radiopharmaceuticals in experimental thrombi of the rabbit jugular vein have been compared to assist with the selection of a thrombus imaging agent for clinical use. Three hours after injection, 111In-platelets were clearly the agent of choice but at 18 h sup(99m)Tc-fibrinogen had more favourable characteristics. Both agents were superior to sup(99m)Tc-plasmin or its acyl derivatives, including sup(99m)Tc-streptokinase-activated anisoylplasminogen. The ease of preparation coupled with favourable biological properties suggest that sup(99m)Tc-fibrinogen should be of value in the clinical situation. (author)