Labeled Metronidazoles as Potential New Agents for Amebic Hepatic Abscess Imaging

Summary Two new radiopharmaceuticals were developed as possible agents for demonstrating the presence of hepatic amebic abscesses by selective accumulation of these agents in the abscess contents. These agents are: 131I-labeled Bromometronidazole, that has been shown to possess some of the antibiotic activity of metronidazole or Flagyl®; and a Technetium 99m-penicillamine-Flagyl complex. A method of radioiodination has been devised which can be performed in radiopharmaceutical laboratories. Both radiopharmaceuticals are of very low toxicity. Distribution studies in animals show accumulation in the liver and elim…