Preliminary observations on the potential of 99mTc-sulfur colloid as a radiopharmaceutical for detection of deep vein thrombosis.

The potential usefulness of 99mTc-sulfur colloid (Tc-SC) as a radiopharmaceutical for thrombus detection was evaluated in an animal model of deep vein thrombosis. One hour after injection of Tc-SC and 24 hours after induction of thrombus formation, a mean thrombus-to-blood uptake ratio of 11.38 was obtained in 12 beagles. This ratio is high enough to allow external detection.