Sup(67)Ga uptake at sites of heterotopic calcification: a report of three cases

Heterotopic calcification occurs commonly in spinal cord injured patients and following joint trauma or surgery. 99Tcm-methylene diphosphonate is useful in the detection of these lesions, many of which are subclinical. Three patients are presented with heterotopic calcification, one with severe hypoxic encephalopathy and two following major trauma. Intense 67Ga uptake within areas of heterotopic calcification was noted in all three patients. Two of the patients also underwent 99Tcm-methylene diphosphonate bone scanning and showed uptake of the bone agent corresponding to the areas of 67Ga uptake. In predisposed patients, heterotopic calcification should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a focal area of 67Ga uptake. (author)