Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

In Vivo Imaging and Tracking of Technetium-99m Labeled Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Equine Tendinopathy
Published on: December 9, 2015
A finding of myocardial uptake at a bone scintigraphy with Tc-99m HDP
L Travascio1, M Ciancamerla, M Colandrea
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Policlinico Umberto I, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. laura.travascio@libero.it
Insights
A patient undergoing bone scintigraphy for hip prosthesis evaluation showed unexpected heart uptake. This finding necessitates considering various differential diagnoses for diffuse myocardial uptake.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Radiopharmaceutical imaging
- Diagnostic radiology
Background:
- Three-phase bone scintigraphy using Technetium-99m labeled hydroxymethylene diphosphonate (Tc-99m HDP) is a standard imaging modality.
- Evaluation of hip prosthesis often involves bone scintigraphy to assess for loosening or infection.
Observation:
- During a whole-body scan for hip prosthesis evaluation, delayed images revealed unexpected diffuse myocardial uptake.
- The observed myocardial uptake was not the primary focus of the initial examination.
Findings:
- Diffuse myocardial uptake on Tc-99m HDP bone scintigraphy is an incidental finding.
- This finding suggests potential underlying systemic conditions or artifact.
Implications:
- The differential diagnosis for diffuse myocardial uptake in bone scintigraphy is broad.
- Further investigation is warranted to determine the cause of myocardial uptake and its clinical significance.
Abstract:
We present a patient admitted to our Department for a Tc-99m HDP three-phase bone scintigraphy to evaluate a hip prosthesis. Delayed images showed diffuse myocardial uptake at whole body scan. In such cases, several diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

