Detection of acute postoperative mediastinitis in mice using (99m)Tc-liposomes.

Rationale And Objectives: To evaluate the usefulness of size-modified (99m)Tc-labeled liposomes for the detection of acute postoperative mediastinitis in a mouse model.

Methods: Fourteen mice underwent low-neck collar incision and had sterile abscesses induced in mediastinum with turpentine. Ten of these animals were injected intravenously with anionic liposomes of 516 +/- 20 nm containing poly(ethylene)glycol labeled with (99m)Tc; the remaining four mice were injected with (67)Ga citrate and used as positive controls.