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[Importance of SPECT/CT for resolving diseases of the jaw]
K Strobel1, M Merwald, M W Huellner
1Institut für Nuklearmedizin und Röntgendiagnostik, Luzerner Kantonsspital, CH-6000, Luzern 16, Schweiz. klaus.strobel@luks.ch
Clinical/Methodical Issue:
Diseases of the jaw, such as osteomyelitis, condylar hyperactivity and tumors need adequate imaging to evaluate the extension and activity for therapy planning.
Standard Radiological Methods:
Conventional planar scintigraphy, orthopantomography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used for the evaluation of jaw diseases.
Methodical Innovations:
Single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) provides metabolic and morphologic information in one imaging step and is becoming increasingly more available in larger hospitals.
Performance:
The SPECT/CT is superior to planar scintigraphy alone, CT and orthopantomography in the evaluation of the extension and activity of osteomyelitis and jaw tumors.
Achievements:
In our hospital SPECT/CT has replaced the other imaging modalities in the evaluation of osteomyelitis and condylar hyperactivity.
Practical Recommendations:
If available SPECT/CT should be performed for the evaluation of osteomyelitis of the jaw.
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