Diphosphonate Uptake Research Articles

Unusual Tc-99m Methylene Diphosphonate Uptake by Clinically Suspected Adrenal Metastases From Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Unusual Tc-99m Methylene Diphosphonate Uptake by Clinically Suspected Adrenal Metastases From Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Malalignment and subchondral bone turnover in contralateral knees of overweight/obese women with unilateral osteoarthritis: Implications for bilateral disease

To explore whether the risk of incident tibiofemoral (TF) osteoarthritis (OA) in the radiographically normal contralateral knee of overweight/obese women with unilateral knee OA is mediated by malalignment and/or preceded by increased turnover of subchondral bone. We used data of post hoc analyses from a randomized controlled trial. Cross-sectional analyses evaluated the baseline association between frontal plane alignment and bone turnover in the medial TF compartment in 78 radiographically normal contralateral knees. Longitudinal analyses ascertained whether incident radiographic OA (TF osteophyte formation within 30 months) was associated with malalignment and/or increased bone turnover at baseline. Alignment subcategories (varus/neutral/valgus) were based on the anatomic axis angle. (99m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate uptake in a late-phase bone scan was quantified in regions of interest in the medial tibia (MT) and medial femur (MF) and adjusted for uptake in a reference segment of the ipsilateral tibial shaft (TS). MF and MT uptake in varus contralateral knees was 50-55% greater than in the TS. Adjusted MT uptake in varus contralateral knees was significantly greater than that in neutral and valgus contralateral knees (mean 1.55 versus 1.38 and 1.43, respectively; P < 0.05). Among 69 contralateral knees followed longitudinally, 22 (32%) developed TF OA. Varus angulation was associated with a marginally significant increase in the odds of incident OA (adjusted odds ratio 3.98, P = 0.067). While the small sample size limited our ability to detect statistically significant risk factors, these data suggest that the risk of developing bilateral TF OA in overweight/obese women may be mediated by varus malalignment.

Absent skeletal uptake of 99mTc-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate in the presence of AL-type amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma

A 66-year-old woman with congestive heart failure suspected to have multiple myeloma underwent bone scintigraphy. The bone scintigraphy using technetium-99m hydroxymethylene-diphosphonate showed the following interesting findings: absent skeletal uptake; increased gastrointestinal, myocardial, and soft tissue uptake; migration of radionuclide to bilateral pleural effusions. Histopathological examination revealed that the patient suffered from AL-type amyloidosis associated with multiple myeloma. Extraosseous uptake is often observed on bone scintigraphy in amyloidosis patients, but in many cases skeletal uptake is preserved. The simultaneous presentation of these findings is rare.

Clinical implications of brown tumor uptake in whole-body 99mTc-sestamibi scans for primary hyperparathyroidism

Technetium-99m (Tc)-sestamibi is the current radionuclide of choice for parathyroid localization in primary hyperparathyroidism (PH). However, there are only sporadic reports about brown tumor visualization in whole-body Tc-sestamibi scans. This study aimed to systematically evaluate brown tumor uptake in whole-body Tc-sestamibi scans and in whole-body bone scans as well. Clinical factors were statistically analyzed for imaging outcome predictions. Forty-two patients with PH were recruited consecutively. A dual-tracer, dual-phase parathyroid imaging protocol was applied. A Tc-sestamibi whole-body scan was performed immediately after delayed phase acquisition. A Tc-methylene diphosphonate bone scan was performed on day 3. Parathormone (PTH), calcium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and parathyroid lesion volume were compared. The t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed for statistical analyses. Brown tumors showed Tc-sestamibi uptake in 10 cases, and Tc-methylene diphosphonate uptake in 17 cases. All parameters in double-scan positive cases were significantly higher than in double-scan negative cases; PTH and ALP were significantly higher in only bone scan positive cases than in double-scan negative cases. Data from receiver operating characteristic curves showed the order of PTH>ALP>Ca>parathyroid lesion volume for diagnostic accuracies of both positive Tc-sestamibi scans and positive bone scans. PTH showed the best positive predictive value and ALP showed the best negative predictive value. A Tc-sestamibi whole-body scan could be used to assess brown tumors in PH, although it may be less sensitive than a bone scan. PTH possessed the best diagnostic accuracy and predictive value for a positive imaging outcome. ALP was useful for negative imaging outcome prediction.

Methylene Diphosphonate Uptake in a Case of Vertebral Hemangioma

Osseous hemangiomas are usually asymptomatic. Symptomatic hemangiomas are rare and represent approximately 1% of all cases. Hemangiomas usually present as photopenic defects in methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone scintigraphy. MDP uptake in vertebral hemangiomas is extremely rare. We report a 20-year-old woman who presented with upper back pain. MDP bone scan showed focus of MDP uptake in the seventh dorsal vertebra. SPECT/CT localized the uptake to vertebral body and transverse process with CT findings suggestive of hemangioma. Further, MRI also confirmed hemangioma in the same location.

Increased Liver and Spleen Accumulation of Tc-99m Methylene Diphosphonate Associated With Intravenous Injection of MRI Contrast Gadolinium-Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid

Several conditions that can cause diffuse hepatic or splenic uptake of Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate (Tc-99m MDP) have been previously reported. Nevertheless, diffuse abnormal liver and spleen uptake of Tc-99m MDP associated with intravenous injection of magnetic resonance imaging contrast gadolinium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid is not previously known. In our series, we reported diffuse increased Tc-99m MDP activity in the liver and spleen in bone scans in patients who received Tc-99m MDP injection shortly after contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.

A Case of Paranasal Sinuses Osteoma Detected on Bone SPECT/CT

We present a 51-year-old woman with a history of colectomy for colon cancer who was referred to our department for bone assessment. Planar image revealed a focus of increased uptake of Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate in the nose root. According to the images of SPECT combined with low-dose CT, the abnormal radiotracer uptake at the site of left frontal sinus was considered to be osteoma. We conclude that SPECT/CT provides an accurate evaluation of the localization of the lesions and supplies anatomic information that can be valuable for diagnosis of nonmalignant bone diseases.

Extensive Peritoneal Uptake of Technetium-99m-Labelled Hydroxy Diphosphonate in a Patient Undergoing Hemodialysis

A 48-year-old African lady started peritoneal dialysis in 1994 after transplant failure. After several episodes of peritonitis and hemorrhagic ascites, hemodialysis was resumed in 2003 because of small bowel subocclusion. In 2006, an abdominal CT showed calcifications and dilatation of intestinal loops. Sclerosing peritonitis was diagnosed and she underwent enterolysis and resection of the peritoneal capsule. She remained asymptomatic until 2009 when she presented again with subocclusion. Because of generalized skeletal pain, a bone scan was performed, which showed Tc-99m hydroxy diphosphonate uptake on the peritoneum. The patient is currently on hemodialysis with parenteral nutrition.

MDP Uptake in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis and Krukenberg Tumors From Mucinous Adenocarcinoma

Altered biodistribution of Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate is a common occurrence on bone scintigraphy and mucin-producing neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract are associated with dystrophic uptake. In addition to the uptake in the primary tumor, activity has been reported in metastasis within lymph nodes and liver. We present a case of Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate uptake in peritoneal carcinomatosis and metastatic Krukenberg tumors from a primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the descending colon. Each of these findings is uncommon and their combination in this case is particularly unique.

Unfocused Extracorporeal Shock Waves Induce Anabolic Effects in Rat Bone

Extracorporeal shock waves are known to stimulate the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells toward osteoprogenitors and induce the expression of osteogenic-related growth hormones. The aim of this study was to investigate if and how extracorporeal shock waves affected new bone formation, bone microarchitecture, and the mechanical properties of bone in a healthy rat model, in order to evaluate whether extracorporeal shock wave therapy might be a potential treatment for osteoporosis. Thirteen rats received 1000 electrohydraulically generated unfocused extracorporeal shock waves to the right tibia. The contralateral, left tibia was not treated and served as a control. At two, seven, twenty-one, and forty-nine days after administration of the shock waves, in vivo single-photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanning was performed to measure new bone formation on the basis of uptake of technetium-labeled methylene diphosphonate ((99m)Tc-MDP) (n = 6). Prior to and forty-nine days after the extracorporeal shock wave therapy, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans were made to examine the architectural bone changes. In addition, mechanical testing, microcrack, and histological analyses were performed. Extracorporeal shock waves induced a strong increase in (99m)Tc-MDP uptake in the treated tibia compared with the uptake in the untreated, control tibia. Micro-CT analysis showed that extracorporeal shock waves stimulated increases in both trabecular and cortical volume, which resulted in higher bone stiffness compared with that of the control tibiae. Histological analysis showed intramedullary soft-tissue damage and de novo bone with active osteoblasts and osteoid in the bone marrow of the legs treated with extracorporeal shock waves. Microcrack analysis showed no differences between the treated and control legs. This study shows that a single treatment with extracorporeal shock waves induces anabolic effects in both cancellous and cortical bone, leading to improved biomechanical properties. Furthermore, treatment with extracorporeal shock waves results in transient damage to the bone marrow, which might be related to the anabolic effects. After further examination and optimization, unfocused extracorporeal shock waves might enable local treatment of skeletal sites susceptible to fracture.

Diffuse Pulmonary Uptake of Tc-99m Methylene Diphosphonate in a Patient with Non-tuberculosis Mycobacterial Infection.

Extra-osseous uptake of bone-seeking radiopharmaceuticals has been reported at various sites and it is known to be induced by various causes. Diffuse pulmonary infection, such as tuberculosis, can be a cause of lung uptake of bone-scan agent. Here we report on a patient with non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infection (NTM) who demonstrated diffuse pulmonary uptake on Tc-99m MDP bone scan. After medical treatment for NTM, the patient's lung lesions improved. Extraskeletal lung Tc-99m MDP uptake on bone scan may suggest lung parenchymal damage associated with disease activity.

Tc-99m Methylene Diphosphonate Uptake by Numerous Phleboliths in the Lower Extremity Detected Incidentally During Bone Scintigraphy

Phleboliths are calcified thrombi within veins and very common in the veins of the lower part of the pelvis. Most adults have a small number of phleboliths. However, despite the high prevalence, phleboliths with increased uptake on bone scintigraphy have very rarely been reported in the literature. Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy was performed on a 46-year-old man with an abscess on the plantar surface of the left foot, which demonstrated incidental, irregular, mottled, increased uptake in the soft tissues of the left thigh and leg, which corresponded to numerous phleboliths on plain radiographs and CT.

Scintigraphic Evaluation of Osteoblastic Activity in Extraction Sockets Treated With Platelet-Rich Fibrin

To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) on the early bone healing process with bone scintigraphy based on technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate uptake in third molar extraction sockets. Fourteen patients with bilaterally soft tissue impacted third mandibular molars were included in the study. The right and left impacted third molars were surgically extracted in the same session. PRF was randomly administered into one of the extraction sockets, whereas the contralateral sockets were left without treatment. Four weeks after surgery, scintigrams were obtained to evaluate scintigraphic differences between PRF-treated and non-PRF-treated sockets. After completion of the clinical study, PRF samples were evaluated by light and scanning electron microscopy. The average increase in technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate uptake as an indication of enhanced bone healing did not differ significantly between PRF-treated and non-PRF-treated sockets 4 weeks postoperatively (P > .05). Abundant fibrin and inflammatory cells were observed by light microscopic examination of PRF samples. Scanning electron microscopic analysis of PRF revealed the existence of platelet aggregates in a fibrin network and crystalline particles on the outer surface of PRF. PRF might not lead to enhanced bone healing in soft tissue impacted mandibular third molar extraction sockets 4 weeks after surgery. PRF exhibits the potential characteristics of an autologous fibrin matrix. However, whether the presence of crystal-like particles on the outer surface of PRF alters bone healing should be investigated further.

FOCAL SKELETAL MUSCLE UPTAKE OF 99mTECHNETIUM-HYDROXYMETHYLENE Diphosphonate FOLLOWING PERONEAL NERVE BLOCKS IN HORSES

We have observed focal skeletal muscle uptake of 99mTechnetium-hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (Tc-HDP), which could mimic a tibial lesion, in horses following peroneal nerve blocks. To characterize this observation further, 45 bone phase scintigrams were performed in 12 horses undergoing peroneal nerve blocks. Scans were performed before, and 1, 3, 7, and 14 days postblock. The superficial and deep branches of the peroneal nerve were blocked by injecting 10 ml of 2% mepivacaine in one limb and 20 ml in the other. Images were evaluated for uptake at the block site and uptake likely to mimic a tibial lesion. Regions of interest were placed over the block site and distal tibia. Count density ratios were used to estimate change in uptake intensity over time. The overall proportion affected was 0.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.68; P < 0.001) 1 day postblock and 0.24 (95% CI, 0.13-0.40; P = 0.005) 3 days postblock. The overall proportion likely to mimic a tibial lesion was 0.19 (95% CI, 0.09-0.33; P < 0.001) 1 day postblock and 0.21 (95% CI, 0.09-0.40; P = 0.005) 3 days postblock. Focal skeletal muscle uptake was seen in only one horse 7 days postblock. Increased uptake intensity was associated with higher local anesthetic dose (P = 0.042). Peroneal nerve blocks cause focal skeletal muscle uptake of 99mTc-HDP on bone phase scintigraphy. This occurs in approximately 50% of blocked limbs and can mimic a tibial lesion on the lateral view in approximately 20% of blocked limbs.

Bone turnover markers are correlated with total skeletal uptake of 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP)

BackgroundSkeletal uptake of 99mTc labelled methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) is used for producing images of pathological bone uptake due to its incorporation to the sites of active bone turnover. This study was done to validate bone turnover markers using total skeletal uptake (TSU) of 99mTc-MDP.Methods22 postmenopausal women (52–80 years) volunteered to participate. Scintigraphy was performed by injecting 520 MBq of 99mTc-MDP and taking whole body images after 3 minutes, and 5 hours. TSU was calculated from these two images by taking into account the urinary loss and soft tissue uptake. Bone turnover markers used were bone specific alkaline phosphatase (S-Bone ALP), three different assays for serum osteocalcin (OC), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase 5b (S-TRACP5b), serum C-terminal cross-linked telopeptides of type I collagen (S-CTX-I) and three assays for urinary osteocalcin (U-OC).ResultsThe median TSU of 99mTc-MDP was 23% of the administered activity. All bone turnover markers were significantly correlated with TSU with r-values from 0.52 (p = 0.013) to 0.90 (p < 0.001). The two resorption markers had numerically higher correlations (S-TRACP5b r = 0.90, S-CTX-I r = 0.80) than the formation markers (S-Total OC r = 0.72, S-Bone ALP r = 0.66), but the difference was not statistically significant. TSU did not correlate with age, weight, body mass index or bone mineral density.ConclusionIn conclusion, bone turnover markers are strongly correlated with total skeletal uptake of 99mTc-MDP. There were no significant differences in correlations for bone formation and resorption markers. This should be due to the coupling between formation and resorption.

The Use of 99mTc-Recombinant Human Annexin V Imaging for Differential Diagnosis of Aseptic Loosening and Low-Grade Infection in Hip and Knee Prostheses

The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of annexin V uptake in hip and knee prostheses suspected of being infected. A total of 7 patients undergoing revision surgery for hip or knee prostheses were studied; 5 patients had total hip replacements, and 2 had total knee replacements. Infection was confirmed by pathology, culture results, laboratory evaluation, and clinical follow-up. All patients also underwent a bone scan before surgery. Annexin V scan findings were positive in 5 patients and negative in 2. Annexin V uptake was either focal (n = 4) or linear (n = 1). There were 4 true-positive, 2 true-negative, 1 false-positive, and no false-negative annexin V studies. Annexin V uptake was either more extensive or less extensive than, and usually was incongruent with, (99m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate uptake. Our findings suggest that annexin V imaging shows greater uptake with infection than with aseptic loosening and has a high negative predictive value for prosthetic infection.

Behaviour of nonresorbable bioactive glass–ceramic implanted into long bone defects: comparison with cancellous allografts

The goal of this retrospective study was to compare the long-term results after implantation of the nonresorbable glass-ceramic material and transplantation of the cancellous allografts into the defects of long bones. The bone cysts were excochleated and filled using granules of glass-ceramic material or cancellous allografts. Clinical, radiographic and scintigraphic examinations of 30 patients were carried out 2-14 years after their surgery. Though signs of complete incorporation allowing full weight-bearing capacity were observed on plain radiographs, we detected pain in six out of nine patients after diaphyseal implantation of nonresorbable glass-ceramic. We found an increase in (99) (m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate uptake on the delayed images in the area of glass-ceramic implantation, mainly in its diaphyseal location. In patients after bone transplantation, the cancellous allografts were completely integrated and the scintigraphic findings were physiological. The implantation of the nonresorbable glass-ceramic material into the diaphyseal defects of long bones is not suitable based on our study.

Increased Bone Alkaline Phosphatase and Isolated Subcortical Bone Uptake of Technetium-99m Hydroxymethylene Diphosphonate in the Lower Extremities in a Patient with Graves' Disease: A Distinctly Unusual Variant of Graves' Acropachy

Thyroid acropachy is an extreme manifestation of autoimmune thyroid disease characterized by soft tissue swelling and periosteal bone changes, usually occurring in the fingers, toes, and lower extremities. Here, a patient with a distinctly unusual variant of thyroid acropachy is presented. The patient was a 48-year-old woman with Graves' disease and mild ophthalmopathy, who was euthyroid after treatment with Methimazole. Because of a persistently elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with elevated bone fraction, a bone scan was performed. This showed increased uptake in the subcortical areas of the lower extremity bones. On questioning, she admitted to mild pain in her lower extremities. She had no other features of thyroid acropachy. Secondary causes of increased ALP, such as cancer, liver disease, and vitamin D deficiency, were excluded by appropriate tests. Therefore, and in view of the patient's underlying Graves' disease, a diagnosis of thyroid acropachy was made. Periosteal reaction in the long bones of the lower extremities is unusual in thyroid acropachy, and when it occurs, it is more likely to be associated with overt pain or prominent extrathyroidal manifestations of Graves' disease. This patient very likely had a variant of thyroid acropachy. This variant may be underreported because of its generally asymptomatic nature.

Does Radioiodine Treatment Change the Methylene Diphosphonate Uptake in a Toxic Thyroid Nodule on Bone Scintigraphy?

Does Radioiodine Treatment Change the Methylene Diphosphonate Uptake in a Toxic Thyroid Nodule on Bone Scintigraphy?

Tc-99m MDP Uptake Resulting From Right Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion of Moyamoya Disease

Cerebral uptake of Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP) due to cerebral infarction in elderly patients has been reported previously. Our patient was an 18-year-old female with increased MDP activity in the right semihemisphere of the brain. Subsequent cerebral angiography revealed occlusion of the right internal carotid artery, consistent with a diagnosis of Moyamoya disease.