Quantitative assessment of nuclear bone scintigraphy using the ‘regions of interest’ technique as applied to the equine cervical spine

Equine skeletal scintigraphy: Comparing lesion detection ability of methylene diphosphonate and hydroxymethylene diphosphonate in the caudal cervical and proximal metacarpal/metatarsal regions

“…To avoid superimposition with the contralateral limb, a lead shield (Podoblock) was used. The caudal cervical spine was imaged from both sides, using a headrest to avoid motion artefacts, with the ipsilateral forelimb to the side being scanned moved caudally 19 . Scintigraphic images were acquired 2.5–3.5 hours (limbs) and 3–4 hours (caudal cervical spine) after injection of the radiopharmaceutical.…”

“…The caudal cervical spine was imaged from both sides, using a headrest to avoid motion artefacts, with the ipsilateral forelimb to the side being scanned moved caudally. 19 Scintigraphic images were acquired 2.5-3.5 hours (limbs) and 3-4 hours (caudal cervical spine) after injection of the radiopharmaceutical. The gamma camera (Medical Imaging Electronics), operated with a lowenergy high-resolution collimator, was positioned as close and parallel as possible to the ROI.…”

“…17 Therefore, careful interpretation, in light of clinical findings and the findings of further imaging modalities, is recommended. 18,19 According to the comparative studies performed in equine patients and humans, it was hypothesised that 99m Tc-MDP may have a lower skeletal uptake and therefore outperform 99m Tc-HMDP in the context of bone lesion detection, both in the PMR and in the area of the articular processes of C6/C7.…”

“…Equine skeletal scintigraphy provides valuable information regarding bone metabolism, but a high proportion of potentially false‐positive results is reported, especially in the caudal cervical region (CS) 17 . Therefore, careful interpretation, in light of clinical findings and the findings of further imaging modalities, is recommended 18,19 . According to the comparative studies performed in equine patients and humans, it was hypothesised that 99m Tc‐MDP may have a lower skeletal uptake and therefore outperform 99m Tc‐HMDP in the context of bone lesion detection, both in the PMR and in the area of the articular processes of C6/C7.…”