To evaluate use of positron emission tomography with 2-(fluorine-18) fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose in detection of chronic osteomyelitis

Abstract

Nuclear medicine plays an important role in the evaluation of infection and inflammation. Fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose is a readily available radiotracer that offers rapid, exquisitely sensitive high-resolution tomography. In the musculoskeletal system, fluorodeoxyglucose PET accurately helps diagnose spinal osteomyelitis, it appears to be useful for defining the extent of disease and monitoring response to treatment. Baseline fluorodeoxyglucose uptake by normal cortical bone is quite low. Bone marrow uptake is variable and can be slightly to moderately more intense than that of bone.