Utility of Tc-99m MDP bone SPECT in evaluation of osseous involvement in craniofacial malignancies

Osteoblastic and hyperostotic craniofacial lesion detected by 99mTc-labeled methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography: a pictorial essay

99mTc-bisphophonates bone scan, planar and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) modalities, is a commonly used technique that provides high sensitivity and specificity for detection of osseous metastases. However, besides bone metastases, SPECT/CT provides an accurate evaluation of the localization of the lesions and supplies anatomic information that can be valuable for diagnosis of nonmalignant bone diseases, occasionally disclosed in the skull. Reporting of craniofacial lesions detected by 99mTc-MDP (99mTc-labeled methylene diphosphonate) bone scintigraphy and SPECT/CT in the literature is limited. The aim of this pictorial review is to present the findings detected by 99mTc-MDP bone scintigraphy and SPECT/CT including cases under two broad categories: osteoblastic and hyperostosis craniofacial lesions.

A slippery slope

A 74-year-old woman experienced chronic painless progressive binocular horizontal diplopia for 2 years. Initial examination showed a visual acuity of 20/20 OU. External and slit lamp examination was unremarkable. Orthoptic evaluation showed an incomitant esotropia, a small vertical strabismus, and a large degree of excyclotorsion. Investigation revealed a diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.