Effect of chronicity of infection on the sensitivity of the In-111-labeled leukocyte scan.

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of chronicity of infection on the sensitivity of In-111-labeled leukocyte scanning. A total of 332 scans on 290 patients were reviewed retrospectively. The diagnosis of infection was based on culture results and other laboratory data, autopsy findings, radiographic studies, and clinical course. Duration of infection at the time of scanning was determined by the date of onset of fever and symptoms, elevation of white cell count, positive cultures, and abnormal findings on radiographic studies. Sensitivity of leukocyte scanning was 90% for 69 patients who had infections for 0-14 days and 86% for 86 who had infections for 15 days or longer. This difference is not statistically significant.