Technetium-99m(V)-DMSA and gallium-67 in the assessment of bone and joint infection.

Abstract

UNLABELLED:

The aim of our study was to investigate the diagnostic value of scans with 99mTc(V)-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) to localize bone and joint infection compared with scans using 67Ga.

METHODS:

Thirty-six patients referred for investigation of bone and joint infection were studied. In all patients, a bone scan was obtained initially. Subsequently, comparative scans with 99mTc(V)-DMSA and 67Ga were performed 1 wk apart. Microbiological findings, pathologic findings and/or clinical follow-up (until symptoms disappeared) were considered to be proof of the presence of bone and joint infection.

RESULTS:

Technetium-99m (V)-DMSA showed greater sensitivity and accuracy than 67Ga in the assessment of bone and joint infection, although the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION:

In comparison with a 67Ga scan, a 99mTc(V)-DMSA scan, in combination with a bone scan, is a reliable way to diagnose bone and joint infection. Both tracers were useful in the diagnosis of bone and joint infection.

• Authors: B F Lee, N T Chiu, J K Chang, G C Liu, H S Yu
• Journal: Journal of nuclear medicine : official publication, Society of Nuclear Medicine (J Nucl Med) Vol. 39 Issue 12 Pg. 2128-31 (Dec 1998) ISSN: 0161-5505 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9867155 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Gallium Radioisotopes
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Technetium Tc 99m Dimercaptosuccinic Acid

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Bone Diseases, Infectious (diagnostic imaging)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Communicable Diseases (diagnostic imaging)
• False Negative Reactions
• False Positive Reactions
• Female
• Gallium Radioisotopes
• Humans
• Joint Diseases (diagnostic imaging)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Radionuclide Imaging
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Reproducibility of Results
• Retrospective Studies
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Technetium Tc 99m Dimercaptosuccinic Acid