Objective: Currently, a reliable, noninvasive means of detecting the active vasculitic lesions of Takayasu's arteritis does not exist. Based on the cellular infiltrates seen in active lesions, we postulated that indium-111 labelled mixed leukocytes could be used to scintigraphically detect sites of active vasculitis.
Methods: Fifteen In-111 mixed leukocyte scans were performed in 10 patients with Takayasu's arteritis and correlated with clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings. Patients had either active, stable/smoldering, or inactive disease at the time when 8, 4, and 3 scans were performed, respectively.
Results: Two of the 8 scans performed in patients with active disease were positive for increased vessel uptake (sensitivity = 25%). All other scans were interpreted as negative for active arteritis.
Conclusion: We conclude that In-111 mixed leukocyte scans have a low sensitivity for detection of active Takayasu's arteritis.