SPECT/CT evaluation for lumbago in post-lumbar spinal fusion patients / 中华核医学与分子影像杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the value of SPECT/CT for detecting the causes of lumbago in post-lumbar spinal fusion patients. Methods From January 2009 to December 2015, 53 patients (31 males, 22 females, age: (42.3±5.3) years) with lumbago after lumbar spinal fusion, without positive CT and digital radiography (DR) findings, were included in this study and were further examined by SPECT/CT imaging. The final diagnosis was made according to clinical symptoms, multimodality imaging findings, and treatment outcome. All patients were followed up for at least 6 months. Results Thirty-eight patients had positive findings with SPECT/CT imaging, including 23 patients with screw loosening, 6 patients with lumbar fusion cage aseptic inflammation and 9 patients with impingement. The other 15 patients had negative results. The diagnostic sensitivity of SPECT/CT for detecting causes of lumbago was 71.7% (38/53). The diagnostic sensitivity and positive predictive value of SPECT/CT for complications caused by internal fixators were both 100% (38/38). Conclusion SPECT/CT scanning could be a clinical valuable tool for inspecting the cause of lumbago in post-lumbar spinal fusion patients.