Multiple myeloma evaluated with Tl-201 scintigraphy compared with bone scintigraphy

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of Tl- 201 chloride scintigraphy in the diagnostic evaluation of 20 patients with multiple myeloma (19/20 patients) or extramedullary plasmacytoma (1/20 pati ents) in comparison with bone scintigraphy. Methods: Both Tl-201 and bone s cintigraphy were performed to obtain planar images on the same instrument. Results: Tl-201 scintigraphy showed increased uptake in 15 of 20 patients ( 75%) and was negative in 5 of 20 patients (25%). In addition, Tl-201 scinti graphy of multiple myeloma was more useful in detecting the lesions in 11 o f 17 patients and less useful in 6 of 17 patients than bone scintigraphy. C onclusion: The combination of Tl-201 and bone scintigraphy, compared with b one scintigraphy alone, shows promise in more accurately diagnosing multipl e myeloma.