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Bone Scan ordered for evaluation
of back pain.
A 47-year-old patient with the
clinical history of mental retardation. The study is requested for
evaluation of possible spinal fracture in a patient with history of
back pain, and weight loss.
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No previous studies for comparison.
27 mCi Tc-99m labeled HDP. Anterior and posterior whole body images
were obtained at a 2-hour delay.
The study demonstrates severe scoliosis of the thoracic spine with the
lower thoracic spine showing dextroscoliosis at a level at the
expected tip of the scapula. Typical degenerative changes are seen
along the concave aspect of this scoliosis. Degenerative changes are
not as pronounced as would be expected. No focal activity is seen
consistent with a spinal or rib fracture. The remainder of the bone
scan demonstrates physiologic uptake. Bilateral renal activity is
seen.
IMPRESSION:
1. WHOLE BODY BONE SCAN DEMONSTRATING SCOLIOTIC CHANGES OF THE
THORACIC SPINE.
2. NO OTHER ABNORMALITIES ARE IDENTIFIED.
3. NO EVIDENCE OF OCCULT INFECTION OR MALIGNANCY IS SEEN. |
Scoliosis
The term scoliosis is used to
describe a condition, which represents an abnormal curvature of the
spine, but it is not a disease or a diagnosis. Scoliosis can be caused
by congenital, developmental or degenerative problems, but most cases
of scoliosis actually have no known cause, and this is known as
idiopathic scoliosis.
Scoliosis usually develops in the thoracic spine (upper back) or the
thoracolumbar area of the spine, which is between the thoracic spine
and lumbar spine (lower back). It may also occur just in the lower
back. The curvature of the spine from scoliosis may develop as a
single curve (shaped like the letter C) or as two curves (shaped like
the letter S). [www.spine-health.com]
For more information:
University of Washington School of
Medicine
Approaches To Differential Diagnosis In Musculoskeletal Imaging
American Association of Orthopedic
Surgeons The
Importance of Early Detection - Tips for Parents
BACK
© 2004 Nuclear Education Online
- Images courtesy of University
of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Dept of Nuclear Medicine.
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