Background:
Bone scintigraphy is thought to cater to the physiology of inflammation. The degree of tracer activity present at affected joints, together with the pattern of joint involvement identified on the bone scan can provide evidence for the diagnosis of an inflammatory rheumatic disease [Peepre et.al, 2014]. However, bone scintigraphy is unable to be performed at the bedside nor is it able to provide a real-time image of joint pathology. Ultrasound, on the other hand, is non-invasive, non-radioactive and portable. With current devices, ultrasound assessment can be transferred to the clinic setting to aid diagnosis and management decisions [Taggart & Benson, 2011]. Presently, in patients with undifferentiated inflammatory arthritides there has been no correlation between bone scintigraphic findings and ultrasound appearances of affected joints.
Hypothesis
The aim of this project was to correlate ultrasound and bone scan findings in the assessment of synovitis in the hands. We presume that the degree of scintigraphic activity on a bone scan will be proportional to the degree of synovitis noted on ultrasound.
Methods:
Subjects demonstrating inflammatory symptoms were recruited on presenting for a bone scan. Joints which had been injected with corticosteroids in the last 6 months were excluded. Five joints (2nd + 3rd PIP & MCP joints & wrist) on the more affected hand were assessed in multiple views by both imaging methods (scintigraphy and ultrasonography) by experienced nuclear medicine physicians with training in ultrasonography.
Results will be presented at the NSW ARA Meeting 2017.