Incidental Detection of Atelectasis on Tc-99m MDP Bone Scans

Abstract

A 61-year-old man with carcinoma of the right lung was admitted because of dyspnea. Thoracic computed tomography (CT) showed right upper lobe atelectasis. A Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone scan was performed to rule out metastases. Increased Tc-99m MDP soft tissue uptake was seen in the right upper hemithorax. Tc-99m MIBI scintigraphy of this area was negative. Since there was no pathologic Tc-99m MIBI accumulation and no evidence of tumor on the CT scan in the right upper lobe, the increased Tc-99m MDP uptake was at the site of the atelectasis.