Heterogeneity of bone metastases in a patient with breast cancer: case report illustrating the potential of combining various imaging techniques
Withofs, N.; Collignon, J.; Rorive, A.; Jerusalem, G.; Hustinx, R.
Revue Medicale de Liege 66(5-6): 288-290
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0370-629X PMID: 21826964 Document Number: 648440
Morphological appearance of bone metastases in breast cancer can be classified into three groups: osteolytic, sclerotic and mixed types. 18F-NaF PET/CT is considered to be superior to bone scintigraphy (BS) for the detection of bone metastases. 18F-NaF PET shows a higher uptake in both lytic and sclerotic bone metastases with a higher contrast and spatial resolution than BS. 18F-FDG PET is generally considered to be superior to BS for detection of lytic bone metastases. However, BS and 18F-NaF PET/CT are more sensitive for sclerotic lesions, as a decreased 18F-FDG uptake in this subtype of lesion has been reported. In conclusion, as various types of bone metastases may coexist in a single patient, the combination of both 18F-FDG and 18F-fluoride PET/CT studies is likely to provide the most comprehensive assessment of metastatic spread to the skeleton.