Scintigraphic evaluation of pamidronate and corticosteroid therapy in a patient with progressive diaphyseal dysplasia (Camurati-Engelmann disease)

A 27-year-old woman with progressive diaphyseal dysplasia (Camurati-Engelma nn disease) received pamidronate and corticosteroid therapy for bone pain. During therapy, disease activity was assessed serially using bone scintigra phy with Tc-99m HMDP. With pamidronate administration, the bone pain became worse and diaphyseal uptake of Tc-99m HMDP increased whereas corticosteroi d administration improved the bone pain and reduced the diaphyseal uptake. In this case, pamidronate and corticosteroid produced different effects. Bo ne scintigraphy allowed an objective assessment of the response to these tr eatments, accurately reflecting clinical symptoms.