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In-111 WBC scintigraphy in adult osteomyelitis

Conference · · J. Nucl. Med.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6405101

Unlike pediatric bone infections, adult osteomyelitis is commonly related to trauma, surgery, or direct extension from an overlying soft tissue infection. Because of this, the findings on Tc-99m MDP bone scintigraphy tend to be nonspecific. Therefore the value of In-111 WBC scintigraphy in the diagnosis of adult osteomyelitis was evaluated. 52 scans were obtained on 51 adult patients who were consecutively referred to the authors' department with this provisional diagnosis. The diagnosis was confirmed by at least two of the following: positive culture, surgery, x-rays, laboratory results, and clinical response to antibiotics. Of the 52 scans studied the sensitivity was 84%, specificity was 82%, and the accuracy was 83%. False positive results occurred most frequently in patients with inflammatory arthritis. False negative examinations occurred in patients who had In-111 WBC concentration in overlying soft tissue obscuring the bony abnormality. Neither the chronicity of the infection, nor prior treatment with antibiotics created difficulty in scan interpretation. It was concluded that although somewhat less sensitive than TcMDP bone scanning, In-111 WBC scintigraphy is more specific than previously studied radiopharmaceuticals in the assessment of bone infections in the adult population.

Research Organization:
Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, NS
OSTI ID:
6405101
Report Number(s):
CONF-840619-
Journal Information:
J. Nucl. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Nucl. Med.; (United States) Vol. 25:5; ISSN JNMEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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