Scintigraphic evaluation of the haemopoietic bone marrow using a ^99mTc‐anti‐granulocyte antibody: a validation study with ⁵²Fe

Abstract

To specify the validity of bone marrow scanning using a monoclonal anti-granulocyte antibody labelled with 99mTc (BW 250/183) for the functional assessment of haemopoiesis, we compared this method with 52Fe scan in 16 patients with haematological disorders. The examinations were performed using a rectilinear whole-body scanner and the distribution of the two tracers was assessed visually and quantitatively in anatomical bone marrow segments, the spleen and liver. Qualitative comparison showed concordance in the bone marrow distribution of the two tracers in 83% of the segments. Discrepancies were found in six patients with hypoplastic or aplastic marrow. The spleen was visualized in all cases with the 99mTc-Moab, including nine patients without splenic haemopoiesis (i.e. without spleen uptake of 52Fe). The uptake of the two tracers, quantified in bone marrow segments and the spleen, correlated well (P < 0.001), but not in the liver (NS). The correlation between the uptake values for each patient was excellent, except in cases of aplastic bone marrow. In conclusion, bone marrow scanning using a 99mTc labelled anti-granulocyte monoclonal antibody enables functional evaluation of the distribution of haemopoiesis. Limitations include the evaluation of bone marrow aplasia and identification of splenic haemopoiesis, for which 52Fe remains the tracer of choice.

F-18 FLT PET: A Noninvasive Diagnostic Tool for Visualization of the Bone Marrow Compartment in Patients With Aplastic Anemia

“…11,12 In vitro studies indicate that F-18 FLT uptake is closely related to thymidine kinase 1 activity, as well as to expression of nucleoside transporters in the cellular membrane and reflects S-phase fraction rather than DNA synthesis. 13,14 Studies comparable to the present study have been performed in the past, using a multitude of tracers, such as iron isotopes for imaging, and turnover studies of the erythropoietic precursor, Tc-99m labeled antigranulocyte antibodies for imaging of myeloid cells, 15 radiocolloids for Reticulo-endothelial system (RES) cell activity, and 111 In-chloride. [15][16][17] Compared with those methods, F-18 FLT PET has a considerably higher resolution, produces tomographic information, and allows better quantification.…”

“…13,14 Studies comparable to the present study have been performed in the past, using a multitude of tracers, such as iron isotopes for imaging, and turnover studies of the erythropoietic precursor, Tc-99m labeled antigranulocyte antibodies for imaging of myeloid cells, 15 radiocolloids for Reticulo-endothelial system (RES) cell activity, and 111 In-chloride. [15][16][17] Compared with those methods, F-18 FLT PET has a considerably higher resolution, produces tomographic information, and allows better quantification. Moreover, it might provide more specific information about the hematopoietic bone marrow compartment than a reflection of the functional activity of the RES.…”

“…1A, B). Six patients (number [12][13][14][15][16][17] were studied after immune suppressive therapy or allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Three patients (number 12-14) had a partial response based on the findings of the peripheral blood cell counts and bone marrow histology (Fig.…”

Plasma FLT3‐L levels predict bone marrow recovery from myelosuppressive therapy

“…However, the imaging agents employed are typically directed to reticuloendothelial cells or later stage hematopoietic cells, but not early stem cells, and are therefore quantitatively inaccurate. 41,42 Alternatively, one can use in vitro cell culture systems 13,14 to identify subpopulations of hematopoietic cells. 43,44 However, these assays take many weeks to complete.…”