Comparison of Tc-99m MIBI and Tl-201 uptake in musculoskeletal lesions

Clin Nucl Med. 1996 Feb;21(2):118-21. doi: 10.1097/00003072-199602000-00008.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to make a comparison between the uptake of Tc-99m MIBI and Tl-201 in evaluation of musculoskeletal lesions. Fourteen cases were studied. Each study consisted of a Tl-201 study followed by a Tc-99m MIBI scan. In addition, a whole-body bone scan was performed in each patient to visualize bone metastases. Tl-201 and Tc-99m MIBI uptakes were evaluated by visual assessment and by using lesion-to-background (L/B) ratio. The authors found increased Tl-201 uptake with a mean L/B ratio of 2.81 and less Tc-99m MIBI uptake with a mean L/B ratio of 2.18 in malignant lesions. Both agents showed lower uptake with mean L/B ratios of 1.6 and 1.2 in benign lesions, but there was no statistical difference between the uptakes of either Tl-201 or Tc-99m MIBI in those with malignant and those with benign lesions. In addition, false-positive imaging was observed with both Tl-201 and Tc-99m MIBI. The results demonstrated that Tl-201 and Tc-99m MIBI accumulations in musculoskeletal lesions are not specific for malignancy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Bone Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Muscle Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Muscular Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi*
  • Thallium Radioisotopes*

Substances

  • Thallium Radioisotopes
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi