~(99m)Tc-MDP whole body bone imaging in diagnosis of synovitis,acne, pustulosis,hyperostosis and osteitis syndrome

Objective To explore the value of 99mTc-MDP imaging in diagnosis of synovitis,acne,pustulosis,hyperostosis and osteitis(SAPHO)syndrome.Methods Clinical and imaging data of 12SAPHO syndrome patients were analyzed retrospectively.The scintigraphic features of SAPHO syndrome were evaluated and compared with those of X-rays,CT and MRI.Results Though anterior chest wall involvement was found in all 12patients with 99mTc-MDP imaging,typical bull's headsign was detected in only 3patients(3/12,25.00%),while incompletebull's heador unilateralbull's hornsign were found in the rest 9patients.Spine involvement occurred in 6patients,including vertebral body involvement(n=4),multiple adjacent vertebral bodies involvement(n=3)and intervertebral joints involvement(n=2).All bone scintigraphic abnormalities were also showed on other imaging examinations,except for 3patients with false negative plain Xray results.Conclusion Typicalbull's heador incompletebull's head,bull's hornsign are characteristic scintigraphic features of SAPHO syndrome,being helpful to early diagnosis and evaluation of SAPHO syndrome.