Comparison of HIG scintigraphy and bloodpool scintigraphy using HDP in arthritic joint disease

Aim: Because of a similar tracer accumulation, we assumed to get the some i nformation about synovitis in arthritic joint disease with HIG scintigraphy and blood pool scintigraphy using HDP. Therefore, we compared retrospectiv ely 23 patients. Methods: In HIG scintigraphy, synovitis was diagnosed acco rding to increasing activity from early to late image. In blood-pool scinti graphy according to on increased activity in comparison to the surrounding tissues. Results: In 694 joints comparison of both scintigraphic modalities was possible, resulting in a 2 x 2 kappa coefficient of 0.43 or 0.97 by us ing late-phase bane scintigraphy as an anatomical marker For intra- and int erobserver agreement, 2 x 2 kappa coefficients of 0.93 and 0.88 in HIG scin tigraphy, respectively 0.96 and 0.90 in blood-pool scintigraphy were calcul ated. Conclusion: This study shows on excellent agreement in the visualizat ion of synovitis by HIG and bloodpool scintigraphy. Because of its higher o bjectivity and lower cost, investigation of synovitis should be performed b y bloodpool scintigraphy.