Sequential quantitative joint scintigraphy in the investigation of anti-inflammatory effects of piroxicam

Ten patients with rheumatoid arthritis were given piroxicam in a single daily dose of 20-40 mg for 16 weeks. The average number of painful joints decreased from 16.7 to 4.0. Similar reductions were seen in the number of inflamed joints and number of tender joints. Scintigraphic study of the patients revealed a clear reduction in 99TC uptake suggesting significant anti-inflammatory activity of the drug.