Tuberculosis of the spine on Tc-99m MDP bone scan: additional role of SPECT-CT

Clin Nucl Med. 2009 May;34(5):271-4. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0b013e31819e52e8.

Abstract

Dedicated multislice single-photon emission computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT-CT) is useful for accurate anatomic localization and lesion characterization of abnormal findings on planar scintigraphy. We present a case of a 33-year-old woman with a history of low back pain. Lumbar spine radiographs demonstrated irregularity of the superior end plate of L2 with an associated compression fracture. A Tc-99m MDP bone scan was performed given her young age and the absence of a history of trauma. The whole body planar imaging revealed nonspecific findings of diffuse linear increased tracer uptake involving L2. The SPECT-CT findings were in keeping with spinal tuberculosis. This was confirmed with culture of CT-guided aspiration of a left psoas collection, which revealed heavy growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This case highlights the benefits of multislice SPECT-CT imaging in the anatomic localization of increased metabolic activity and provision of additional diagnostic information. This enabled rapid diagnosis and management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Fractures, Compression / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging*
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Spinal Fractures / etiology
  • Technetium Tc 99m Medronate*
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tuberculosis, Spinal / complications
  • Tuberculosis, Spinal / diagnostic imaging*
  • Whole Body Imaging

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Medronate