Semi-quantitative perfusion-metabolic gamma-camera scintigraphy with 99mTc-phosphate complexes in algodystrophy

The method described makes it possible to evaluate the blood supply, blood pool and mineral metabolism of pathologically affected zones. Gamma camera with multichannel collimator for low energies has been used. 99mT-phosphate complexes (diphosphonate and pyrophosphonates) has been injected intravenously in indicator activities 3.7 mBq/kg. The scintiscanning has been carried out in three phases: 1) angioscintigraphy -a serial perfusion gamma-camera scintigraphy, 15 images with 4 sec exposition each; 2) static gamma-camera scintigraphy 10 min after the injection; 3) mineral-methabolite phase - static scintigraphy of the same zones 3 hours after injection. Studying of the zones of interest in the pathological process area and a symmetric sound zone allows to derive semi-quantitative indices: perfusion, tissue, mineral metabolism and perfusion/mineral metabolism relationship. The method has been tested in 30 patients with algodystrophy (19 of the hand and 11 of the foot). Its advantage is possibility for early and correct detection of the pathological changes and dynamic control of their evolution. It is also easy to apply, noninvasive, with low radiation load and without risks of side effects. 1 tab., 2 figs., 6 refs