PET/CT and Bone Scintigraphy: Metabolic Results in Musculoskeletal Lesions

AbstractPurposeThis review aimed to provide an overview on findings from metabolic imaging modalities such as bone scintigraphy and positron emission tomography –computed tomography (PET/CT) in musculoskeletal lesions. It is conceivable that methods assessing metabolism of bone tumors, combined with the morphological assessment, could enhance the possibility for a personalized therapy with particular emphasis to malignant neoplasms.Recent FindingsThe assessment of bone tumors by conventional scintigaphic and morphological imaging has been recently integrated with the morpho-metabolic appraisal obtained by PET/CT systems. Increasing availability of this diagnostic modality has been shown to stratify properly the patients and the findings correlate well with outcome. Moreover, new tracers are being implemented in the study of musculoskeletal lesions by PET/CT while the new volumetric parameters used to identify the lesions hold great promise.SummaryResults from PET/CT are associated with tumor grading and histopathology in bone malignant lesions and they could be of value for implementing treatment strategy. Additionally, the metabolic assessment has been demonstrated useful for predicting surgical response and patients ’ outcome.
Source: Current Radiology Reports - Category: Radiology Source Type: research