Ga-67 imaging in bone marrow hyperplasia.

Abstract

Abnormal gallium uptake due to osteomyelitis is well documented. However, increased gallium uptake in bone marrow hyperplasia has never been reported. In bone marrow hyperplasia, there is expansion of the erythrons, as well as the reticuloendothelial system. Expansion of the reticuloendothelial system explains the increased sulfur colloid uptake. By the same reason, the expansion of the erythrons could explain the increased gallium uptake. This report demonstrates such a case in a patient with sickle cell anemia. It is important to consider this possibility to avoid overdiagnosing osteomyelitis in patient with bone marrow hyperplasia.