In-111-labeled platelet scintigraphies in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Wang, S-Jen.; Tsai, S-Chuan.; Chen, G-Hum.; Lan, J-Liang.; Yen, T-Chen.
Hepato-Gastroenterology 49(46): 1066-1068
2002
ISSN/ISBN: 0172-6390 PMID: 12143203 Document Number: 540953
Background/Aims: Chronic hepatitis C has been recognized to be associated with thrombocytopenia. The use of indium (In-111) oxine-labeled platelets has provided an important tool for classifying the mechanism of thrombocytopenia. In this study, we utilized In-111 oxine-labeled platelet scintigraphies to evaluate patients with chronic hepatitis C (with and without thrombocytopenia). Methodology: Eleven patients with chronic hepatitis C were included in this study. Six patients (3 male, 3 female) were diagnosed with thrombocytopenia (<140X109/L) (group A) and five patients (3 male, 2 female) had normal platelet counts (>140X109/L) (group B). Spleen to heart and spleen to liver ratios were calculated from 24-hour platelet scintigraphic images. Results: The spleen to heart ratios in group A and group B were 5.18+-2.09 and 5.17+-2.17, respectively (P=0.465). The spleen to liver ratio of group A and B were 3.08+-1.60 and 2.38+-0.87, respectively (P=0.870). Conclusions: Our study revealed that patients with hepatitis C infection may have thrombocytopenia independent of hypersplenism.