Editorial Type:
Diagnostic Imaging

Evaluation of technetium Tc 99m–labeled biotin for scintigraphic detection of soft tissue inflammation in horses

Lauren G. Kleine Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536.

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Mauricio Solano Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536.

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Mary Rusckowski Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655.

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Kathleen E. Hunt Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536.

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Karen L. Johnson Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536.

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Carl A. Kirker-Head Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536.

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.69.5.639
Volume/Issue:
Volume 69: Issue 5
Online Publication Date:
01 May 2008
Restricted access
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Abstract

Objective—To evaluate the use of technetium Tc 99m–labeled EDTA-biotin monomer (99mTc-EB1) as a scintigraphic imaging agent for soft tissue inflammatory lesions in horses.

Animals—6 healthy adult horses.

Procedures—First (phase 1), the agent's safety and blood-tissue clearance and an appropriate imaging protocol were determined in 6 horses. Each horse was injected with 99mTc-EB1 (1.1 GBq, IV, once); images were acquired at intervals during the following 24-hour period. Subsequently (phase 2), inflammation was induced via injection of 200 mg (10 mL) of mepivacaine (0.4 mg/kg) into the right neck musculature and perineurally in the proximal palmar metacarpal region of the right forelimb of 2 horses. Six hours after mepivacaine injection, 99mTc-EB1 (2.2 GBq, IV, once) was administered; 8 hours after injection, comparative soft tissue images were acquired after administration of technetium 99mTc-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (99mTc-HDP; 7.4 GBq, IV, once).

Results—After injections of 99mTc-EB1, physical examinations, CBCs, and serum biochemical analyses revealed no abnormalities in any horse. Blood clearance of 99mTc-EB1 was rapid (A phase, 2.2 minutes; β phase, 58 minutes). Soft tissue uptake of 99mTc-EB1 was immediate and persisted for as long as 4 hours after injection. At 6 hours after IM and perineural mepivacaine injections, mepivacaine-induced inflammation was detectable by use of 99mTc-EB1.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that 99mTc-EB1 is safe for use in horses and can identify soft tissue inflammation without concurrent uptake in bone. Compared with 99mTc-HDP administration, use of 99mTc-EB1 extended the duration of soft tissue scintigraphic image acquisition.

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate the use of technetium Tc 99m–labeled EDTA-biotin monomer (99mTc-EB1) as a scintigraphic imaging agent for soft tissue inflammatory lesions in horses.

Animals—6 healthy adult horses.

Procedures—First (phase 1), the agent's safety and blood-tissue clearance and an appropriate imaging protocol were determined in 6 horses. Each horse was injected with 99mTc-EB1 (1.1 GBq, IV, once); images were acquired at intervals during the following 24-hour period. Subsequently (phase 2), inflammation was induced via injection of 200 mg (10 mL) of mepivacaine (0.4 mg/kg) into the right neck musculature and perineurally in the proximal palmar metacarpal region of the right forelimb of 2 horses. Six hours after mepivacaine injection, 99mTc-EB1 (2.2 GBq, IV, once) was administered; 8 hours after injection, comparative soft tissue images were acquired after administration of technetium 99mTc-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (99mTc-HDP; 7.4 GBq, IV, once).

Results—After injections of 99mTc-EB1, physical examinations, CBCs, and serum biochemical analyses revealed no abnormalities in any horse. Blood clearance of 99mTc-EB1 was rapid (A phase, 2.2 minutes; β phase, 58 minutes). Soft tissue uptake of 99mTc-EB1 was immediate and persisted for as long as 4 hours after injection. At 6 hours after IM and perineural mepivacaine injections, mepivacaine-induced inflammation was detectable by use of 99mTc-EB1.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that 99mTc-EB1 is safe for use in horses and can identify soft tissue inflammation without concurrent uptake in bone. Compared with 99mTc-HDP administration, use of 99mTc-EB1 extended the duration of soft tissue scintigraphic image acquisition.

Contributor Notes

Ms. Johnson's present address is Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655.

Presented in abstract form at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons Symposium, Washington, DC, October 2006, and the 52nd Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, San Antonio, December 2006.

Supported by the Hospital for Large Animals, Department of Clinical Sciences, and Orthopaedic Research Laboratory of Tufts University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Address correspondence to Dr. Kleine.
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 May 2008
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