Bone scans in neuroblastoma

Eighty-six patients of neuroblastoma ranging in age from four months to 15 years were studied with 99mTc-MDP (methylene diphosphonate) for total skeletal survey over a period of seven years (1983-1990). The diagnosis of neuroblastoma as based on bone marrow examination, FNAC, lymph node biopsy, histopathology. Bone imaging was performed three hrs. after intravenous administration of 99mTc-MDP. Out of 86 patients, 45 patients had positive bone scan showing osseous concentration in 122 sites and extraosseous concentration in 34 sites. Seven patients had liver metastases. None of these liver metastases showed concentration of MDP. Fourteen patients underwent surgery for the primary tumour at the time of bone scanning. Ten patients were studied at the time of follow up, of which four patients showed good response as bony metastases were not demonstrated on bone scintigraphy and X-rays. In conclusion, bone scan is an useful test in neuroblastoma in delineating the bony metastases and also in assessing the efficacy of chemotherapy in these patients. (author). 12 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs