Diagnosis of bone infection using Tc-99m-HMPAO labelled leukocytes

In order to evaluate the importance of Tc-99m-hexamethylpropylene amine oxi me (Tc-99m-HMPAO) leukocyte scintigraphy in the diagnosis of bone infection , we retrospectively reviewed 324 patients. Abnormal findings were seen in 221 patients. In the other 103 cases acute pathological inflammation could be ruled out. The patients with pathological findings were divided into fou r groups according to the location of the infection. This method showed the localizations of skeletal disorders and its differences to other diagnosti c imaging modalities. The underlying abnormalities causing the inflammation were determined. In conclusion, Tc-99m-HMPAO leukocyte scintigraphy is sti ll a very sensitive method for either whole body screening or local detecti on of acute or exacerbated chronic osteomyelitis. The advantages of this me thod over other diagnostic imaging methods are shown. ((C) 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins).