The effectiveness of gallium citrate Ga 67 radionuclide imaging in vertebral osteomyelitis revisited.
We investigated the role of gallium citrate Ga 67 scanning in diagnosing spondylodiscitis. Scans of 41 patients with suspected spondylodiscitis showed increased radionuclide uptake in 39 patients; these findings correlated with those of magnetic resonance imaging and were proved by biopsy. Two patients with negative findings on gallium scans had been strongly suspected of having spondylodiscitis; biopsy findings in these patients showed degenerative changes. Thirteen patients had negative cultures, while 22 had polygenic infections and 4 had granulomatous infections. Gallium scanning proved to be 100% sensitive, specific, and accurate. The interrater accuracy was excellent. Follow-up scans were used to track therapeutic progress. We recommend complementary bone and gallium scans in cases of suspected spinal infections. If the scan is positive, a biopsy should be done. If the scans are negative, no further investigation is needed.
Hadjipavlou
A G
AG
Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas, USA.
Cesani-Vazquez
F
F
Villaneuva-Meyer
J
J
Mader
J T
JT
Necessary
J T
JT
Crow
W
W
Jensen
R E
RE
Chaljub
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002951:Citrates; D015299:Discitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005708:Gallium; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D002951:Citrates; D005710:Gallium Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D005708:Gallium; C103850:gallium citrate