Masters Degrees (Nuclear Medicine)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Nuclear Medicine) by Subject "Bones -- Radionuclide imaging"

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    An investigation of the contribution of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography to the diagnosis of skeletal metastases using bone scan in the African context
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-12) Elmadani, Ahmed Elkhidir; Warwick, James M.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Nuclear Medicine.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Planar bone scintigraphy is highly sensitive but it may not be sensitive enough to detect subtle lesions in complex bony structures such as the spine. The accurate anatomic localisation of lesions in regions such as this is also limited using planar images. Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) results in a higher lesion contrast resulting in an improved sensitivity for the detection of subtle lesions. SPECT also enables improved lesion localisation, often valuable in distinguishing benign from malignant disease in the spine. A number of previous studies have demonstrated that the addition of SPECT of the spine significantly enhances the value of bone scintigraphy for the detection of bone metastases compared to planar imaging alone. These studies were however not done in the African context where patients typically present with more advanced disease. In a retrospective study of 576 patients with known primary tumors sent to our institution for bone scintigraphy for the diagnosis of bone metastases, we evaluated 119 patients in whom both planar imaging and SPECT were obtained. The studies were graded for the probability of metastatic disease, and the number of spinal lesions was determined with and without SPECT. The influence of adding SPECT on the interpretation of the study was determined in terms of the reported probability of metastatic disease, the exclusion and confirmation of metastatic disease, the decisiveness of interpretation, and the number of spinal lesions. The addition of SPEeT resulted in a statistically significant change in the interpretation of studies, although the actual numbers of patients affected were relatively small. SPEeT resulted in a more decisive interpretation of bone scintigraphy. There was a significant increase in the number of spinal lesions detected after the addition of SPEeT. It was concluded that although the use of SPEeT is ideal, acceptable results could be achieved using planar imaging alone in this patient population. This is particularly relevant in the African context, where SPEeT is often unavailable or scarce and in great demand.
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    Optimal utilization of gamma camera time in Tc-99m MDP bone scintigraphy
    (Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-03) Jawa, Zabah Muhammad; Rubow, Sietske; Warwick, James; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Health Sciences. Dept. of Medical Imaging and Clinical Oncology. Nuclear Medicine.
    Introduction: Whole body bone scintigraphy with Tc-99m MDP is able to provide a survey of the entire skeleton. The question arises if it is mandatory to perform a whole body bone scan in all patients, irrespective of the clinical indication. The aim of this study is to determine the implications of performing limited imaging in patients who had whole body bone scan for various clinical patholgy with Tc-99m MDP, in order to determine if limited imaging would be acceptable in selected pathologies. This may enable gamma camera time to be optimally utilized in units with limited facilities. Materials and Methods: Reports of 3015 patients with various clinical pathologies who had whole body bone scans with Tc-99m MDP in our department from January 2002 to December 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of pathologic radiotracer uptake was analyzed in order to establish the pattern of distribution. Clinically significant skeletal lesions were classified according to the anatomical regions where they were located viz; skull (including the neck), axial skeleton (including the pelvis and shoulders) and limbs. Results: Our results showed that in patients with lung cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, and myeloma, there was an error in more than 25% of patients when limited imaging was performed. In patients with cancer of the breast, prostate, kidney, gastrointestinal system, and reproductive system and lymphoma there is an error in less than 5% of patients when limited imaging is employed. For iv patients with more localized musculoskeletal disorders such as suspected stress fractures, complicated joint prosthesis and avascular necrosis of the femur head, regional imaging of the area of pathology showed a percentage error of less than 6%.