Nuklearmed Nucl Med
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The aim of this study was via PET imaging to reveal if any highly metabolic processes were occurring in Modic changes type 1 and/or in the adjacent discs. Modic changes (MC) are signal changes in the vertebral endplate and body visualised by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MC are strongly associated with low back pain (LBP). MC type 1 appear to be inflammation on MRI, and histological and biochemical findings make it highly likely that an inflammation is present. Though MC is painful no known treatment is available, and it is unknown which entities affect the progress or regress of MC. The changes observed on MRI are slow and take months to develop, but faster changes in the metabolism might provide a platform for monitoring patients. ⋯ Modic type 1 changes do not reveal themselves by showing increased metabolism with ordinary FDG PET imaging. PET tracers illuminating inflammation are being developed and hopefully may become more successful.
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Nuklearmed Nucl Med · Jan 2009
Radiation safety considerations for the bone seeking radiopharmaceuticals. 89SrCl2, 186Re-HEDP and 153Sm-EDTMP.
The radiation exposure to bystanders from 89SrCl2, 186Re-HEDP and 153Sm-EDTMP, is generally thought to be caused by "bremsstrahlung" and gamma-radiation, with negligible contribution from beta-radiation. The latter assumption may be erroneous. The aim of this prospective study was the investigation of radiation safety after treatment with these radiopharmaceuticals. The radiation field around treated patients was characterized and the magnitude estimated. ⋯ Patients treated with 89SrCl2, 186Re-HEDP or 153Sm-EDTMP emit a spectrum of radiation, including non-negligible beta-radiation. With specific instructions effective doses to bystanders are acceptable.
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Nuklearmed Nucl Med · Jan 2008
[Detection of metastases in breast cancer patients: comparison of FDG PET with chest X-ray, bone scintigraphy and ultrasound of the abdomen].
Distant metastases at primary diagnosis are a prognostic key factor in breast cancer patients and play a central role in therapeutic decisions. To detect them, chest X-ray, abdominal ultrasound, and bone scintigraphy are performed as standard of care in Germany and many centers world-wide. Although FDG PET detects metastatic disease with high accuracy, its diagnostic value in breast cancer still needs to be defined. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of FDG PET with conventional imaging. ⋯ FDG-PET is more sensitive than conventional imaging procedures for detection of distant breast cancer metastases and should be considered for additional staging especially in patients with high risk primary breast cancer.