[Scintigraphy with 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate for the detection and localization of rhabdomyolysis]

In 24 patients with biochemically proven rhabdomyolysis 34 scans with 99mTc-MDP were performed to detect regional as well as generalized myolysis. When performing the scan within 10 days after the maximum of myolysis, scintigraphic detection was possible in 95% of the patients, but after 20 days in none. Regional tracer accumulation in muscles was more frequent (89%) than generalized diffuse accumulation (31%). Predominantly muscles of the thigh, the buttocks and the upper arm were involved. Diffuse tracer accumulation in both kidneys occurred in 75% of patients with significant renal dysfunction. The results show that in addition to regional muscle damage generalized myolysis may be detected by scintigraphy with 99mTc-MDP. In cases of regional muscle damage scintigraphy proved to be more sensitive than clinical signs.