The role of Tc-99m (V) DMSA scintigraphy in the evaluation of superscan onbone scintigraphy

Purpose: This study evaluated the biodistribution of Tc-99m (V) DMSA in pat ients with superscans on bone imaging and defined its role in differentiati ng the underlying cause, Methods: Nine patients (five with metastatic and four with metabolic bone d isease) with classical superscans were entered into the study. All patients had the necessary radiologic and biochemical studies and a final diagnosis was reached accordingly. Tc-99m M DMSA scintigraphy was performed 1 week a fter Tc-99m MDP whole-body bone imaging. Results: In four of five patients with widespread skeletal metastases, Tc-9 9m M DMSA scan showed diffusely increased bone uptake. In the remaining pat ient, the Tc-99m M DMSA scan showed a normal distribution pattern. All pati ents with metabolic bone disease had increased bone uptake on Tc-99m (V) DM SA scans, Conclusion: Tc-99m M DMSA shows increased bone uptake in patients having a superscan appearance in metastatic or metabolic bone disease, Tc-99m M DMSA imaging may play a role in the evaluation of patients with equivocal bone scan findings for a superscan.