RadioGraphics, Vol 11, 571-579, Copyright © 1991 by Radiological Society of North America
Incidental detection of urinary tract abnormalities with skeletal scintigraphy
A Gentili, SD Miron, LP Adler and EM Bellon
Department of Radiology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, OH 44106.
Urinary tract abnormalities are detected as incidental findings in 15% of
skeletal scintigraphic studies. Several scintigraphic patterns denote these
abnormalities. Bilateral diffuse increased uptake is found in patients who
have undergone chemotherapy and those with hyperparathyroidism,
hypercalcemia, and sickle cell disease. Bilateral diffuse decreased uptake
occurs in patients with end-stage renal disease, extensive metastatic
disease to the bone, and various hematologic disorders. Focal increased
activity is associated with postoperative changes and effects from
radiation therapy. Focal decreased uptake is caused by space-occupying
lesions such as abscesses, cysts, and neoplasms. Abnormal size, shape, and
position associated with abnormalities of the kidney and bladder can also
be seen. Although these scintigraphic patterns are seldom suggestive of a
definitive diagnosis, they are highly specific for urinary tract disease.
