Quantitative Bone SPECT/CT: age-related changes & correlation with BMD

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Quantitative Uptake of Tc-99m MDP SPECT/CT in lumbar & thoracic vertebrae: age-related changes and correlation with DEXA Bone Mineral Density

  • IRAS ID

    261497

  • Contact name

    Alastair Gemmell

  • Contact email

    alastairgemmell@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 0 months, 3 days

  • Research summary

    Radionuclide bone scans use a radioactive pharmaceutical called Tc-99m MDP to look at new bone growth. These images were previously only interpreted visually; however recent technical developments now allow an accurate measurement of the amount of MDP taken up in the bone (this method is called quantification).
    A reduction in new bone growth leads to a reduction in the Bone Mineral Density (BMD); if this becomes severe (a condition called osteoporosis) then the patient has a higher risk of bone fracture. It is known that bone density decreases with age.
    BMD is measured by a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. If the quantitative results from a Tc-99m MDP bone scan are shown to correspond to the results of a DEXA scan, it may mean more clinically useful information can be gained from the Tc-99m MDP bone scan.
    This study will look at data from patients who have had a quantitative Tc-99m MDP bone scan to determine if the results show age-related decline in the uptake of Tc-99m MDP. It will also study patients who have had a bone scan and DEXA scan within a period of two years to see how the results from the two different methods compare.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    20/EM/0099

  • Date of REC Opinion

    7 Apr 2020

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion