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IMAGE INTERPRETATION · BONE IMAGING

Normal Whole-Body Bone Scan (Tc-99m MDP)

Whole-body Tc-99m MDP bone scan, anterior and posterior projections
Whole-body Tc-99m MDP bone scan, anterior and posterior projections

CC BY 3.0 · Myohan / Wikimedia Commons · source file

Question

This whole-body bone scan demonstrates symmetric uptake in the axial and appendicular skeleton with good bone-to-soft tissue contrast and normal physiologic bladder activity. What is the most appropriate interpretation?

  1. ADiffuse skeletal metastases
  2. BNormal bone scan
  3. CSuperscan with renal non-visualization
  4. DPaget's disease of bone
Show the answer and explanation

B. Normal bone scan

A normal Tc-99m MDP bone scan shows symmetric, homogeneous uptake in the axial and appendicular skeleton, with higher uptake in areas of active bone metabolism (epiphyses, joints). Good bone-to-soft tissue contrast and visible bladder activity are expected normal findings. Metastatic disease would show focal 'hot spots.' A superscan would have diffusely increased bone uptake with absent or faint renal activity.

More bone imaging images

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← Bone Scan Timing: When to Acquire Delayed ImagesDiffuse Skeletal Metastases on Bone Scan →

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