SPECT Bone Scintigraphy Research Articles

Multimodal Data-Driven Segmentation of Bone Metastasis Lesions in SPECT Bone Scans Using Deep Learning

Background: Patients with malignant tumors often develop bone metastases. SPECT bone scintigraphy is an effective tool for surveying bone metastases due to its high sensitivity, low-cost equipment, and radiopharmaceutical. However, the low spatial resolution of SPECT scans significantly hinders manual analysis by nuclear medicine physicians. Deep learning, a promising technique for automated image analysis, can extract hierarchal patterns from images without human intervention. Objective: To enhance the performance of deep learning-based segmentation models, we integrate textual data from diagnostic reports with SPECT bone scans, aiming to develop an automated analysis method that outperforms purely unimodal data-driven segmentation models. Methods: We propose a dual-path segmentation framework to extract features from bone scan images and diagnostic reports separately. In the first path, an encoder-decoder network is employed to learn hierarchical representations of features from SPECT bone scan images. In the second path, the Chinese version of the MacBERT model is utilized to develop a text encoder for extracting features from diagnostic reports. The extracted textual features are then fused with image features during the decoding stage in the first path, enhancing the overall segmentation performance. Results: Experimental evaluation conducted on real-world clinical data demonstrated the superior performance of the proposed segmentation model. Our model achieved a 0.0209 increase in the DSC (Dice Similarity Coefficient) score compared to the well-known U-Net model. Conclusions: The proposed multimodal data-driven method effectively identifies and isolates metastasis lesions in SPECT bone scans, outperforming existing classical deep learning models. This study demonstrates the value of incorporating textual data in the deep learning-based segmentation of lowresolution SPECT bone scans.

DSPIC: a deep SPECT image classification network for automated multi-disease, multi-lesion diagnosis

BackgroundFunctional imaging especially the SPECT bone scintigraphy has been accepted as the effective clinical tool for diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, and prevention of various diseases including metastasis. However, SPECT imaging is brightly characterized by poor resolution, low signal-to-noise ratio, as well as the high sensitivity and low specificity because of the visually similar characteristics of lesions between diseases on imaging findings.MethodsFocusing on the automated diagnosis of diseases with whole-body SPECT scintigraphic images, in this work, a self-defined convolutional neural network is developed to survey the presence or absence of diseases of concern. The data preprocessing mainly including data augmentation is first conducted to cope with the problem of limited samples of SPECT images by applying the geometric transformation operations and generative adversarial network techniques on the original SPECT imaging data. An end-to-end deep SPECT image classification network named dSPIC is developed to extract the optimal features from images and then to classify these images into classes, including metastasis, arthritis, and normal, where there may be multiple diseases existing in a single image.ResultsA group of real-world data of whole-body SPECT images is used to evaluate the self-defined network, obtaining a best (worst) value of 0.7747 (0.6910), 0.7883 (0.7407), 0.7863 (0.6956), 0.8820 (0.8273) and 0.7860 (0.7230) for accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F-1 score, respectively, on the testing samples from the original and augmented datasets.ConclusionsThe prominent classification performance in contrast to other related deep classifiers including the classical AlexNet network demonstrates that the built deep network dSPIC is workable and promising for the multi-disease, multi-lesion classification task of whole-body SPECT bone scintigraphy images.

A case of osteomyelitis of the jaw whose treatment progress was monitored using GI-BONE a novel SPECT bone scintigraphy quantity analysis software

A case of osteomyelitis of the jaw whose treatment progress was monitored using GI-BONE a novel SPECT bone scintigraphy quantity analysis software

Retrospective comparison study between SPECT bone scintigraphy and serial radiograph tracing for assessment of growth in patients with condylar hyperplasia

Retrospective comparison study between SPECT bone scintigraphy and serial radiograph tracing for assessment of growth in patients with condylar hyperplasia

Sacroiliac indicis increase the specificity of bone scintigraphy in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis.

Objective: Bone scintigraphy is a highly sensitive method in the evaluation of sacroiliitis. Aim of this study is firstly to evaluate interobserver variation of partial and whole sacroiliac indicis, secondly investigation of clinical importance of these indicis in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis. Methods: Fourty-six subjects (24 female: 35.4±11.9; 22 male: 43.1±12.4) without sacroiliitis 45 subjects with low back pain (33 female: 43.3±11.5, 11 male: 35.5±17.2) were included in the study. For right (R) and left (L) whole indices (WSI) irregular region of interest (ROI), for partial indices superior (S) and inferior (I) rectangular ROI were used. For background activity, rectangular ROI was drawn from the sacral region. Indices were calculated from ratio of average counts of sacroiliac and background regions. Two independent observers calculated sacroiliac indices. Interobserver agreement was evaluated by Pearson analysis. Results: There was no significant interobserver difference (p>0.05). Significant correlation existed between all calculated indices. Among 45 patients with suspicion of sacroiliitis 15 had final diagnosis of sacroiliitis and all of the Tc-99m methilenediphosphonate planar and SPECT bone scintigraphy results of these patients were concordant with sacroiliitis. There were 8 false positive results in other 30 patients. Seven of these eight patients had normal index values. If the scintigraphy would be evaluated in conjuction with indicis the specificity would increase from 73% to 97% but sensitivity decreases from 100% to 80%. There was significant correlation between the observers calculated indicis (p<0.001).Conclusion: Superior and inferior sacroiliac index values can be used with confidence. If we use sacroiliac index values to confirm positive results; index values can increase the specificity of bone scintigraphy.

The Role of SPECT-Guided CT for Evaluating Foci of Increased Bone Metabolism Classified as Indeterminate on SPECT in Cancer Patients

Planar and SPECT bone scintigraphy has played a major role in the staging of many cancers such as breast and prostate cancer, as well as in orthopedics. Integrated diagnostic CT combined with SPECT has helped improve localization and characterization of skeletal lesions, improving diagnostic confidence and helping management decisions, over traditional SPECT. A major advantage has been improved characterization of indeterminate bone lesions and differentiation of benign from malignant lesions due to additional CT information. In this treatise the role of SPECT-guided CT for evaluating foci of increased bone metabolism classified as indeterminate of SPECT in cancer patients is reviewed. Using this approach, the diagnostic confidence in differentiating malignant from benign bone lesions should better with the fused SPECT/CT image than with separate sets of bone scintigraphic and CT images. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v8i1.16895 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2013;8(1): 31-33

SPECT versus Planar Scintigraphy as a Clinical Aid in Evaluation of the Elderly with Knee Pain.

Chronic knee pain is a common complaint among the elderly and appears in 30%–40% of the population over the age of 65. This study was performed in order to evaluate correlation between clinical presentation of chronic knee pain and the imaging findings of SPECT and planar bone scintigraphy. Methods. We prospectively recruited 116 patients over the age of 50 who had neither knee surgery nor trauma. Patients were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. All patients were examined by an experienced orthopedic surgeon; on the same day imaging was performed. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate physical examination findings with planar scintigraphy and SPECT findings and blood pool images. Results. In symptomatic patients, planar scintigraphy correlated significantly (P < 0.01) with the presence of excessive joint fluid, synovial condensation, and decrease in range of motion as measured in extension and flexion and patellar grinding test. SPECT findings correlated with all of the above tests as well as with medial and patellofemoral joint tenderness. Conclusions. We believe a finding of tenderness at the medial articular crease or of the patellofemoral compartment of the knee should be considered an indication for the use of SPECT scintigraphy rather than planar scintigraphy.

Spect bone scintigraphy in the pre-operative evaluation of mandibular condylar hyperplasia

Spect bone scintigraphy in the pre-operative evaluation of mandibular condylar hyperplasia

Bone and Gallium Scintigraphy in Polyostotic Actinomycosis of the Upper Limb

Actinomycosis is a chronic, suppurative infection caused by the anaerobic actinomycete, Actinomyces israelii. As Actinomyces israelii is a resident of the gastrointestinal tract, infection usually occurs through a break in the mucosa or aspiration into the lungs. Rarely, however, hematogenous spread to bone occurs. A rare case of actinomycosis involving three long bones (the humerus, ulna, and radius) is reported. Planar and SPECT bone and gallium scintigraphy demonstrated increased uptake in the affected bones and in adjacent soft tissue

Osteoporosis and chronic back pain: A study with single-photon emission computed tomography bone scintigraphy

A group of 26 patients aged 47-81 years (average 67) with spinal osteoporosis and back pain for more than 6 months were investigated with planar and SPECT bone scintigraphy and anterior and lateral x-rays of the thoracolumbar spine. Abnormal activity on bone scintigraphy was found in all patients, of whom 22 had multiple lesions. A total of 17 (65%) patients had abnormal activity associated with collapsed vertebral bodies, 5 (19%) had degenerative disk disease, and 21 (81%) had facetal joint disease. Of 112 lesions identified by SPECT, 60 (54%) were localized to the apophyseal joints. Facetal lesions were commoner in those patients with more collapsed vertebrae, and 32 facetal lesions (54%) were associated with collapse of the vertebra immediately above or below. Bone scintigraphy findings suggest that in some individuals with osteoporosis and chronic back pain, collapse of the vertebral body or degenerative disk disease are causes of pain. However, the high frequency of increased apophyseal joint activity suggests that the facet joint may also be an important site of origin of pain in these individuals. Bone scintigraphy may identify a subgroup of osteoporotic patients with chronic back pain who would benefit from treatment to the facet joints.

Increased sacroiliac joint uptake after lumbar fusion and/or laminectomy.

Of 753 adult patients undergoing SPECT and planar bone scintigraphy for the evaluation of low back pain, 43 (6%) showed either unilateral or bilateral increased sacroiliac joint (SIJ) uptake. Five of the 58 abnormal joints were only identified with SPECT (9%), whereas 20 of the 58 abnormal joints were much more convincingly demonstrated by SPECT (34%). Fifteen of the 43 patients with increased SIJ uptake had undergone prior lumbar laminectomy and/or spinal fusion. Such spinal surgery can increase impact loading on the SIJ, leading to mechanical overload and sacroiliitis. Degenerative joint disease, trauma, or other benign pathology accounted for the remaining patients with increased SIJ uptake. The authors conclude that for patients with a history of lumbar spinal fusion and/or laminectomy, increased SIJ uptake usually is caused by altered spinal mechanics rather than malignancy or infection.

Spect Bone Scintigraphy in Assessment of Cranial Paget's Disease

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) bone scintigraphy was used in the assessment of Paget's disease in 3 patients with skull involvement. In comparison with conventional scintigraphy, SPECT improved the three-dimensional perception and made precise outlining of involved bones possible. The radionuclide uptake in lesions expressed as counts per pixel was 1.5 to 10 times that of normal bones. Routine use of SPECT in cranial Paget's disease for staging and monitoring the effect of treatment is proposed.

The Value of Oblique Angle Reorientation in SPECT Bone Scintigraphy of the Hips

SPECT bone scintigraphy has been shown useful for detecting avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral heads. Because the femoral necks project in a 15-20 degree posterior angulation from the coronal plane, the femoral head is partially superimposed upon the acetabulum in standard coronal SPECT images. To avoid this problem, the authors now perform oblique angle reorientation of all hip SPECT studies. This new technique, which allows display of the hip in a more anatomic fashion and better definition of hip abnormalities, is described. No new data acquisition is needed, and only a small amount of extra time is required for reconstruction.

Spect Bone Scintigraphy in Assessment of Cranial Paget's Disease

Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) bone scintigraphy was used in the assessment of Paget's disease in 3 patients with skull involvement. In comparison with conventional scintigraphy, SPECT improved the three-dimensional perception and made precise outlining of involved bones possible. The radionuclide uptake in lesions expressed as counts per pixel was 1.5 to 10 times that of normal bones. Routine use of SPECT in cranial Paget's disease for staging and monitoring the effect of treatment is proposed.

Spect Bone Scintigraphy in Assessment of Cranial Paget's Disease

Spect Bone Scintigraphy in Assessment of Cranial Paget's Disease

SPECT bone scintigraphy of benign and malignant lesions of the spine.

70 patients were examined with planar and SPECT bone scintigraphy. SPECT proved to be superior over planar bone scanning for imaging of traumatic, inflammatory, and malignant bone lesions. SPECT provides three-dimensional information and, therefore, delineates the exact location and extension of lesions. It also has a higher sensitivity than planar bone scintigraphy. The three-dimensional bone scan generates complementary diagnostic information which often facilitates an adequate therapy protocol.

Painful pseudarthrosis following lumbar spinal fusion: detection by combined SPECT and planar bone scintigraphy.

Twenty-six adult patients more than 6-months post-lumbar spinal fusion were studied. Flexion and extension radiographs showing motion or bone scintigrams showing focal areas of increased activity within the fusion mass were considered positive for pseudarthrosis. Patients were classified as either symptomatic or asymptomatic. Among the 15 symptomatic patients, scintigraphy had a sensitivity of 0.78 and a specificity of 0.83 which was superior to the 0.43 sensitivity and 0.50 specificity of radiography. Six of the 11 asymptomatic patients had focal areas of increased activity in the bony fusion mass, possibly reflecting painless pseudarthrosis. Planar imaging was substantially enhanced by SPECT in 14 of the 26 cases. It is concluded that for the patient who remains symptomatic after lumbar spinal fusion, bone scintigraphy with SPECT is of significant value in detecting painful pseudarthrosis.