Role of in-111 labeled leukocyte scintigraphy in the diagnosis of intracerebral lesions.

The differential diagnosis of intracerebral enhancing lesions on contrast computed tomography includes tumors, abscesses, and cerebrovascular accidents. Particularly important is the differentiation between tumor and abscess. While In-111 labeled leukocyte imaging is an accurate test for identification of foci of infection in general, the role of this procedure in the evaluation of the intracranial lesion is not well established. We undertook a retrospective review of 16 patients with contrast enhancing intracerebral lesions identified on computed tomography, who were also studied with labeled leukocyte imaging. Final diagnoses were: abscess (n = 2), primary brain tumor (n = 6), metastasis (n = 4), dermoid cyst (n = 1), and cerebral infarct (n = 3). There were two positive labeled leukocyte studies; both were cerebral abscesses. No labeled leukocyte activity was identified in any of the tumors or infarcts. We conclude that In-111 labeled leukocyte imaging is an accurate method of differentiating infectious from noninfectious causes of intracerebral lesions identified on computed tomography.