Secondary ossification center of transverse process: a bone-scan normal variant
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine
|January 1, 1985
Summary
Increased bone scan activity in a lumbar transverse process may be a normal variant in adolescents. This finding relates to the secondary ossification center, a common developmental stage in young individuals.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pediatric Imaging
- Skeletal Development
Background:
- Bone scintigraphy is a nuclear medicine imaging technique.
- Secondary ossification centers are areas where bone growth occurs in adolescents.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old male presented with increased radiotracer uptake in a lumbar transverse process on bone scan.
- This finding was initially concerning for pathology.
Findings:
- The increased activity was identified as a normal variant.
- It is likely related to the secondary ossification center of the lumbar transverse process.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing normal variants in pediatric bone scans.
- Understanding these variants can prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary investigations.
- Radiologists should be aware of this potential finding in adolescent patients.
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