Simultaneous dual isotope studies in the diagnosis of infection

A simultaneous dual isotope technique incorporating computer subtraction for the diagnosis of bone, joint, or soft-tissue infection using [67Ga]citrate and [99mTc]MDP or sulfur colloid is described. Comparison of this technique with visual congruence or noncongruence of the two radionuclide images in 41 patients shows that the two techniques have identical sensitivity (93%) and specificity (92%) but the computer technique gave additional information in 17% of all cases (44% of abnormals) concerning the anatomic location of the infective focus which aided in the subsequent surgical management of the patient.