RADIONUCLIDE IMAGING IN FORME-FRUSTE OF MELORHEOSTOSIS

Scintigraphy was instrumental in two histologically proven cases of fo rme fruste melorheostosis. Radionuclide bone scans demonstrated a mode rately increased uptake of radiopharmaceutical localized to the ''flow ing'' cortical hyperostosis of melorheostosis observed radiographicall y. The medullary portion of the affected bones showed no increase in t racer activity. In one case, imaging with Tl-201 chloride demonstrated increased focal activity of the lesion. These scintigraphic findings can help distinguish the mildest manifestation (forme fruste) of melor heostosis from the well-ossified lesions of myositis ossificans and pa rosteal or periosteal osteosarcoma. The findings of MRI are also descr ibed in one patient.