Svircev JN, Wallbom AS. False-negative triple-phase bone scans in spinal cord injury to detect clinically suspect heterotopic ossification: a case series.
J Spinal Cord Med 2008;
31:194-6. [PMID:
18581667 PMCID:
PMC2565475 DOI:
10.1080/10790268.2008.11760711]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE
Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a complication seen in patients after spinal cord injury (SCI). Triple-phase nuclear bone scanning is the most sensitive test for the detection of HO. This retrospective study assesses whether patients with clinically suspected HO but negative triple-phase nuclear bone scans develop delayed positive nuclear bone scans.
CASE SERIES
A cohort of patients with SCI and clinically suspected HO who underwent triple phase nuclear bone scans over a period of 2 years was identified from retrospective chart review of an acute inpatient SCI rehabilitation service. A subgroup of 7 patients with initially negative but subsequently positive triple-phase nuclear bone scans was identified, and the following data were collected: date, mechanism, admission level, and admission completeness of injury as well as date, number, and results of bone scans. Laboratory studies were also collected during the time of imaging.
RESULTS
Over a 2-year period, 343 patients were admitted to the SCI rehabilitation service; 60 patients were suspected of having HO and underwent a total of 85 triple-phase nuclear bone scans. Seven patients were identified with initially negative but subsequently positive bone scans.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with clinically suspicious HO but negative bone scans, follow-up scans are indicated to identify initial false-negative studies.
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