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Reversible extraskeletal uptake of bone scanning in primary hyperparathyroidism
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yonsei University, Medical College, Seoul, Korea.
Summary
Metastatic calcification in soft tissues, like the lungs and stomach, can show up on bone scans. This study shows abnormal uptake resolved quickly after treating primary hyperparathyroidism.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Radiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Metastatic calcification in soft tissues is linked to conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, chronic renal failure, and hypervitaminosis D.
- Bone-seeking radiotracers can accumulate in extraskeletal calcifications, potentially mimicking bone metastases.
Observation:
- A patient with primary hyperparathyroidism presented with abnormal bone scan uptake in the liver, lung, stomach, and parathyroid gland.
- This extraskeletal uptake was observed before surgical treatment.
Findings:
- Following parathyroidectomy, the abnormal uptake in the liver, lung, and stomach completely resolved within one week.
- The resolution of extraskeletal radiotracer uptake correlated with the successful treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism.
Implications:
- Bone scintigraphy can detect extraskeletal calcifications associated with hyperparathyroidism.
- Treatment of the underlying endocrine disorder can lead to the resolution of these calcifications, as visualized by bone scanning.