Autologous 125I-Fibrinogen Uptake Test in the Detection and Management of Venous Thrombosis

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Abstract
The125I-fibrinogen uptake test (FUT) was evaluated in a series of 42 subjects to determine its ability to detect active venous thrombosis. Included were patients with recent active thrombosis, patients with long-standing quiescent venous obstruction, and normal controls. In serial tests, increasing isotope uptake was found to occur only in patients with active thrombophlebitis (P<.01). Consequently, this criterion can serve as an index of active thrombophlebitis. Five patients with known calf vein thrombosis had increasing FUT results at the upper thigh. Phlebography or technetium scans confirmed propagation of the thrombosis. These results suggest a screening value for the FUT in suspected propagating thrombosis. If results are confirmed by subsequent phlebography, major therapeutic changes such as intensification of anticoagulation or venous interruptions can hopefully be made before potentially lethal pulmonary embolism occurs.