[Quantitative whole-body bone scintigraphy. I. Methodology (author's transl)]

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Digital bone scans are crucial for evaluating bone conditions.
• Current methods may lack quantitative precision in assessing bone metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and detail quantitative whole-body bone scintigraphy.
• To outline the principles, methods, and results of this advanced imaging technique.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes a double detector scanner for whole-body imaging.
• Incorporates corrections for attenuation and organ thickness effects.
• Employs automated computer calculations for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Calculates whole-body activity and activity distribution in skeletal regions (as percentages).
• Determines the relationship between bone, soft tissue, and organ activity.
• Establishes a local concentration factor for quantifying bone alterations and metabolism, with a 10% mean error.

Conclusions:

• Quantitative whole-body bone scintigraphy provides a standardized, computer-aided method for precise bone scan evaluation.
• The technique allows for objective measurement of bone metabolism and activity distribution.
• Future research will explore its application in bone seeker kinetics and clinical settings.