Identification of an infected left ventricular assist device after cardiac transplant by indium-111 WBC scintigraphy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate the utility of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of infection within a retained prosthetic device in the posttransplant setting.


METHODS
Autologous leukocytes were labeled in vitro with indium-111 oxine and were reinjected. Whole-body and SPECT images were acquired at 24 hours and correlated with contemporary CT images.


RESULTS
Through the use of combined indium-labeled WBC scintigraphy and CT we were able to identify infection within retained left ventricular assist device tubing status postcardiac transplantation in a patient with a diagnosis of fever of unknown origin.


CONCLUSIONS
Localization of possible infectious etiologies within the transplant population is of utmost concern. Multimodality imaging, often utilizing scintigraphic techniques, is recommended.
Roman
Christopher D
CD
Vanderbilt University Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2675, USA.
Habibian
M Reza
MR
Martin
William H
WH
D006352:Heart Ventricles / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D007205:Indium Radioisotopes; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009205:Myocarditis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D013382:Subtraction Technique
D007205:Indium Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals