Artifactual reduction in bone density as a result of technetium-99m MDP for bone scanning: report of two cases

J Clin Densitom. 2004 Winter;7(4):457-8. doi: 10.1385/jcd:7:4:457.

Abstract

We present two patients in whom marked changes in dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-measured bone mineral density were found to be the result of prior administration of technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (MDP) for bone scanning. In patient 1, an artifactual 50% decrease in lumbar spine and 19% decrease in left total hip bone density over a 14-mo period was the result of technetium-99m injection 3 h before the second bone density measurement. In patient 2, a dramatic increase in bone density at 6 mo was the result of artifactual reduction in bone density on the baseline study as a result of technetium-99m injection 2 h earlier. Clinicians and technologists should be aware that technetium-99m used for bone scanning could cause artifactual reduction in DXA-measured bone mineral density.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Absorptiometry, Photon
  • Adult
  • Artifacts*
  • Bone Density / radiation effects*
  • Bone and Bones / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hip Joint / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Lumbar Vertebrae / radiation effects
  • Middle Aged
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Technetium Tc 99m Medronate*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Technetium Tc 99m Medronate