title: Increased uptake of bone radiopharmaceutical in diabetic neuropathy.
abstract: Uptake of radiopharmaceutical was markedly abnormal in all phases of the bone scan in the feet of patients with diabetic neuropathy. Bone scans were performed in three groups of patients; diabetics with neuropathic osteoarthropathy (Charcot joints); diabetics with neuropathy but no evidence of osteoarthropathy and non-diabetic controls. Uptake was monitored in three phases; during the first 2 min after injection, then at 4 min and finally at 4 h. Uptake in all three phases was markedly increased in the neuropathic subjects, not only in those with osteoarthropathy but also in those with no radiological abnormalities. Increased uptake at 2 and 4 min indicates increased blood flow which can also result in increased uptake at 4 h. Increased blood flow secondary to peripheral neuropathy may lead to excessive bone resorption, susceptibility to fracture and finally the development of neuropathic osteoarthropathy of the diabetic foot.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001177:Arthropathy, Neurogenic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism; D004164:Diphosphonates; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging
chemical_list: D004164:Diphosphonates; C027474:methylene diphosphonate