Significance of nodal uptake on indium 111 labeled leukocyte scans.

A retrospective study of 132 indium 111 labeled leukocyte scans on 129 patients was undertaken to determine the incidence and significance of activity in the neck, axilla, and groin suggestive of regional lymph nodes. Possible nodal uptake was observed in 35 out of 108 (32%) adults and 11 out of 21 (52%) children. Activity was characterized as symmetric or asymmetric. Based on medical record review, positive scans were divided into two groups: with or without clinical correlation. Nodal visualization was common in children and showed a high degree of clinical correlation. In adults, asymmetric uptake in the axilla and groin was frequently associated with disease. Cervical activity, however, often remained unexplained and may represent false-positive uptake in mandibular marrow or submandibular glands. In summary, nodal uptake may represent a significant finding, reflecting known disease or may signal subclinical disease.