technetium-tc-99m-sulfur-colloid and Histiocytosis--Langerhans-Cell

Radionuclide imaging (99mTc bone scans, 99mTc S colloid scans, 99mTc brain scans and 67gallium scans) and bone radiographs were done in 54 children with histiocytosis X. The results are discussed, compared with the literature and indications for the different nuclear medicine studies are given.

Topics: Adolescent; Bone and Bones; Bone Diseases; Child; Child, Preschool; Diphosphonates; Female; Gallium Radioisotopes; Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell; Humans; Infant; Liver; Male; Radiography; Radionuclide Imaging; Sodium Pertechnetate Tc 99m; Spleen; Technetium; Technetium Compounds; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid

Radiographs were compared with 99mTc scans of the bones and bone marrow as well as 67Ga-citrate scans to evaluate their sensitivity in identifying skeletal lesions in 21 children with histiocytosis X. Seven of 20 bone scans were completely normal in patients with extensive radiographic evidence of skeletal disease. In only one patient were bone scan changes demonstrated prior to radiographic abnormalities. None of the lesions was "cold" on the bone scans. 99mTc-sulfur colloid bone marrow scans and 67Ga-citrate whole-body scans were not valuable. Radiographic survey of the skeleton should be the primary diagnostic test employed in patients with histiocytosis X who have suspected skeletal lesions. Bone scans should be obtained only when the radiographs are normal or equivocal.

Topics: Bone and Bones; Bone Diseases; Bone Marrow; Child; Child, Preschool; Diphosphonates; Etidronic Acid; False Negative Reactions; Female; Gallium Radioisotopes; Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell; Humans; Infant; Male; Organotechnetium Compounds; Radionuclide Imaging; Sulfur; Technetium; Technetium Tc 99m Medronate; Technetium Tc 99m Sulfur Colloid