ABSTRACT
99mTc stannous colloid-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy was used to investigate brain abscesses in patients with underlying arteriovenous malformation or other brain abnormalities. 99mTc stannous colloid-labeled leukocytes are radiolabeled neutrophils and monocytes. The radiolabeled colloid is phagocytosed by the white cells. Six patients with underlying arteriovenous malformation (AVM) post embolisation with clinical diagnosis of brain abscess were studied. The 3 patients with positive 99mTc stannous colloid-labeled leukocyte scans were diagnosed as a cerebral abscess in all cases. One patient who had a negative 99mTc stannous colloid-labeled leukocyte scan did not have a brain abscess. Another with a negative scan had a pathologic diagnosis of chronic inflammation and foreign body reaction. The third with a negative scan was studied after treatment with antibiotic and debridement. In Summary 99mTc stannous colloid-labeled leukocyte scintigraphy is useful in conjungtion with CT scanning in investigating patients with brain abscess who have other underlying brain abnormality or who have an early brain abcess, or in the follow up of patients who have already received treatment in order to evaluate infection is still present and it is appropriate treatment.