Technetium-99m polyphosphate bone image for early detection of skeletal metastasis. Correlation with other diagnostic parameters.

Abstract

Technetium 99m-polyphosphate bone images are correlated with bone roentgenography, and serum calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase in 91 patients with suspected bone metastasis. Technetium polyphosphate bone images are the most sensitive and serum level of calcium and phosphorus are the least sensitive indicator of bone lesions. Bone roentgenography is not as sensitive as technetium polyphosphate images. Abnormal bone images with normal or abnormal bone roentenography associated with increased alkaline phosphatase in the absence of liver metastasis are highly suggestive of metastatic bone disease. Abnormal bone images adjoining the joints, associated with normal serum alkaline phosphatase and abnormal joint roentgenography suggest arthritis. It is recommended that technetium 99m-labelled phosphate bone images are considered to be the diagnostic procedure of choice to detect skeletal lesions. Polyphosphate bone images are highly sensitive, with the combination of elevated alkaline phosphatase they become relatively more specific for a metastatic bone disease.