[The early scintigraphic diagnosis of bone metastases in prostatic carcinoma]

Fifty-nine patients, 58 to 88 years of age, with prostate cancer comprise the study group. Screening studies were made in doubtful diagnosis and vague complaints, as well as repeated scintigraphic controls in histologically proven cancer. The most common localization of the bone lesions were: pelvis, ribs, lumbar and thoracic vertebrae. Distribution of the zones of enhanced drosition, effect of treatment and eventual connection between scintigraphic and histologic finding are noted. Patients without X-ray evidence of bone metastases or with evidence of single metastases, frequently had extensive dissemination of the metastatic process when whole-body bone scintigraphy was made.