Csontszcintigráfia

Csontszcintigráfia, also known as bone scintigraphy or bone scan, is a diagnostic imaging technique used to evaluate bone metabolism and detect abnormalities in bone structure. It involves the injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer, typically technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (Tc-99m MDP), into a vein. This tracer is taken up by metabolically active bone tissue.

Following the injection, the patient waits for a period, usually 2-4 hours, allowing the tracer to distribute throughout the body and accumulate in areas of increased bone turnover. A special gamma camera then captures images of the bones, highlighting areas where the tracer has concentrated. These areas, appearing as "hot spots," indicate increased blood flow and bone activity, which can be associated with various conditions.

Csontszcintigráfia is primarily used to detect bone metastases from cancer, such as prostate, breast, and lung cancer, which often manifest as increased tracer uptake in affected bones. It is also valuable in diagnosing and monitoring bone infections (osteomyelitis), fractures (especially stress fractures or occult fractures not visible on X-ray), Paget's disease of bone, and certain metabolic bone diseases. The technique can help assess the extent of bone disease, guide treatment decisions, and evaluate the response to therapy. While sensitive, it is not entirely specific, meaning that increased tracer uptake can be caused by several conditions, and further investigations may be required for definitive diagnosis.