Indium-111-labeled platelets in monitoring human pancreatic transplants.

We have performed 59 {sup 111}In-labeled platelet scintigraphies in 12 patients with pancreas transplant, and we have compared retrospectively the {sup 111}In platelet uptake with the graft immunological situation. A diffuse uptake in the graft was seen in five of six patients with pancreatic rejection. The scans became positive before changes in biochemical tests were detected. No {sup 111}In platelet uptake was seen in five of seven normally functioning grafts. Two cases of venous thrombosis and two perigraft hematomas appeared like a focal {sup 111}In platelet accumulation. Indium-111-labeled platelet scintigraphy can be a useful method for monitoring pancreas transplants. It may be helpful in the early detection of pancreatic allograft rejection and in the differential diagnosis between this and other complications such as thrombosis or hematomas.