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Scintigraphic findings in a Brodie's abscess
1Department of Radiological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, USA.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|October 1, 1995
Summary
This study highlights the diagnostic value of combined Technetium-99m MDP bone and Gallium-67 imaging in confirming Brodie's abscess, a type of bone infection. This nuclear scintigraphy approach aids in accurately diagnosing the condition in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Pediatric orthopedics
- Radiology
Background:
- Brodie's abscess is a subacute form of osteomyelitis, often presenting with localized bone pain.
- Conventional radiography may show osteolytic lesions, but definitive diagnosis can be challenging.
- Nuclear scintigraphy, including Technetium-99m MDP bone imaging and Gallium-67 scans, is established for diagnosing osteomyelitis.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old girl presented with a 6-month history of left hip pain.
- Radiographs revealed a metaphyseal osteolytic lesion with sclerotic borders in the femoral neck.
- Both Tc-99m MDP bone imaging and Ga-67 scans demonstrated focal areas of increased activity in the left femoral neck, correlating with the radiographic finding.
Findings:
- The increased uptake on nuclear scintigraphy corresponded precisely to the lytic lesion seen on X-rays.
- These findings confirmed the diagnosis of Brodie's abscess.
- This case represents the first reported use of combined Tc-99m MDP bone and Ga-67 imaging for Brodie's abscess confirmation.
Implications:
- Combined Tc-99m MDP bone and Ga-67 imaging can be a valuable tool for diagnosing Brodie's abscess, especially when radiographic findings are equivocal.
- Nuclear scintigraphy enhances diagnostic accuracy for subacute bone infections like Brodie's abscess.
- This imaging modality may improve early detection and management of Brodie's abscess in children.