Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2009; 13(3): 159-180
DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1237687
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Nuclear Medicine Imaging of the Pediatric Musculoskeletal System

Amer Shammas1 , 2
  • 1Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • 2Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Publikationsverlauf

Publikationsdatum:
01. September 2009 (online)

ABSTRACT

Bone scintigraphy is a common pediatric nuclear medicine procedure and plays a significant role in the diagnosis of skeletal infection, trauma, and benign and malignant bone tumors. There is a complementary role for bone scintigraphy in the assessment of a child with suspected nonaccidental injury. High-quality images require careful attention to technique and positioning in children. Additional techniques such as magnification and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) can be used for special indications and localization. Combined functional and anatomic imaging using SPECT/computed tomography (CT) imaging systems can improve diagnostic accuracy. Positron emission tomography (PET) using fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is being applied with increasing frequency in the evaluation of children with malignancy. To interpret 18F-FDG PET appropriately, it is essential to know the normal physiological distribution. Using combined 18F-FDG PET/CT improves specificity and localization. This article reviews the common indications for bone scintigraphy and 18F-FDG PET/CT in benign and malignant pediatric musculoskeletal disease.

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Amer ShammasM.D. 

Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto

555 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1X8

eMail: amershammas@yahoo.com