Utilidad del trabecular bone score en sujetos adultos con osteogénesis imperfecta / Usefulness of the trabecular bone score in adult subjects with osteogenesis imperfecta

Objetivo: Analizar la utilidad del trabecular bone score (TBS) en adultos con osteogénesis imperfecta (OI) y su relación con variables clínicas, antropométricas y densitométricas, especialmente con la presencia de fracturas y la severidad de la enfermedad.Material y métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en 31 pacientes adultos con OI (edad 40.5±15.2 años, 68% mujeres, 87% tipo I). Se analizaron las características clínicas de los pacientes (fracturas, tipo de OI, IMC y tratamiento), la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) (mediante DXA), valorando la presencia de osteoporosis densitométrica, y los valores de TBS (TBS iNsight), estimando la presencia de microarquitectura degradada (valores <1.230). Los resultados se compararon entre los diferentes tipos de OI (I y III-IV) y con los de un grupo control de sujetos sanos.Resultados: La mayoría de los pacientes (29/31, 94%) tenían antecedentes de fracturas y el 29% recibía tratamiento antiosteoporótico. El 61% tenía una osteoporosis densitométrica y el 19% tenían una microarquitectura degradada. No se observaron diferencias en los valores del TBS según la gravedad de la OI (OI tipo I vs. III-IV: 1.297 vs. 1.339, p=n.s.); ningún paciente con OI tipo III-IV tenía TBS<1.230. Los valores de TBS se relacionaron con la edad (r=-0.6, p<0.01), la DMO lumbar (r=0.4, p=0.03) y el IMC (r=-0.5, p=0.01). Los pacientes con OI tenían valores más bajos de TBS y DMO que el grupo control en todas las localizaciones analizadas.Conclusión: El TBS es poco sensible en la valoración de la calidad ósea en la OI, pues ninguno de los pacientes con OI grave tenía una microarquitectura degradada y ésta sólo se observó en el 19% de los pacientes con OI a pesar de presentar una alta prevalencia de fracturas. (AU)

Efecto del tratamiento con denosumab durante 24 meses en individuos con lesión medular reciente con osteoporosis / Effect of 24-month denosumab treatment in individuals with recent spinal cord injury and osteoporosis

Introducción: El desarrollo de osteoporosis es una complicación frecuente tras una lesión medular (LM), especialmente bajo el nivel de la lesión. Sin embargo, su abordaje terapéutico continúa siendo incierto.Objetivo: Analizar la evolución de la densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y de los marcadores de remodelado óseo (MRO) en individuos con una LM reciente y osteoporosis asociada tratados con denosumab durante 24 meses.Métodos: Estudio prospectivo en el que se incluyeron pacientes con LM reciente y osteoporosis que recibieron tratamiento con denosumab durante 24 meses. A todos ellos se les realizó una analítica con determinación de MRO (PINP, CTX y FA ósea), 25-OH- vitamina D y una densitometría ósea en columna lumbar y fémur proximal basal y a los 12 y 24 meses.Resultados: Se incluyeron 13 pacientes (media de edad de 39±15 años) con LM reciente (con un tiempo medio de evolución de 15 meses) y osteoporosis. Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamiento con denosumab durante 24 meses. A los 12 meses de tratamiento con denosumab se observó un aumento significativo de la DMO en columna lumbar y fémur proximal, con un incremento adicional de los valores de DMO tras 24 meses de tratamiento, que fue del orden del 9,1% en columna lumbar, 4,4% en cuello de fémur y 5,3% en fémur total. Asimismo, los valores de los MRO disminuyeron de forma significativa durante los 24 meses de tratamiento. Ningún paciente presentó fracturas por fragilidad y no se observaron acontecimientos adversos relacionados con el tratamiento.Conclusiones: El tratamiento con denosumab durante 24 meses aumenta la DMO lumbar y femoral y disminuye los MRO en pacientes con LM reciente con osteoporosis. Denosumab parece ser una opción terapéutica prometedora en esta condición clínica. (AU)

Analysis of the evolution of cortical and trabecular bone compartments in the proximal femur after spinal cord injury by 3D-DXA.

Marked trabecular and cortical bone loss was observed at the proximal femur short-term after spinal cord injury (SCI). 3D-DXA provided measurement of vBMD evolution at both femoral compartments and cortical thinning, thereby suggesting that this technique could be useful for bone analysis in these patients. INTRODUCTION: SCI is associated with a marked increase in bone loss and risk of osteoporosis development short-term after injury. 3D-DXA is a new imaging analysis technique providing 3D analysis of the cortical and trabecular bone from DXA scans. The aim of this study was to assess the evolution of trabecular macrostructure and cortical bone using 3D-DXA in patients with recent SCI followed over 12 months. METHODS: Sixteen males with recent SCI (< 3 months since injury) and without antiosteoporotic treatment were included. Clinical assessment, bone mineral density (BMD) measurements by DXA, and 3D-DXA evaluation at proximal femur (analyzing the integral, trabecular and cortical volumetric BMD [vBMD] and cortical thickness) were performed at baseline and at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: vBMD significantly decreased at integral, trabecular, and cortical compartments at 6 months (- 8.8, - 11.6, and - 2.4%), with a further decrease at 12 months, resulting in an overall decrease of - 16.6, - 21.9, and - 5.0%, respectively. Cortical thickness also decreased at 6 and 12 months (- 8.0 and - 11.4%), with the maximal decrease being observed during the first 6 months. The mean BMD losses by DXA at femoral neck and total femur were - 17.7 and - 21.1%, at 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Marked trabecular and cortical bone loss was observed at the proximal femur short-term after SCI. 3D-DXA measured vBMD evolution at both femoral compartments and cortical thinning, providing better knowledge of their differential contributory role to bone strength and probably of the effect of therapy in these patients.

Effect of recent spinal cord injury on the OPG/RANKL system and its relationship with bone loss and the response to denosumab therapy.

There is marked bone loss after spinal cord injury (SCI); however, its pathogenesis and clinical management remain unclear. The increased circulating levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor kB ligand (RANKL) associated with bone loss shortly after SCI and the prevention of bone loss with denosumab treatment suggest a contributory role of RANKL in SCI-induced osteoporosis. INTRODUCTION: Bone turnover and bone loss are markedly increased shortly after SCI. However, the pathogenesis and clinical management of this process remain unclear, especially the role of the osteoprotegerin (OPG)/RANKL system in this disorder. The aim of this study was to analyze serum levels of OPG and RANKL in bone loss associated with recent SCI and the effect of denosumab treatment on these mediators. METHODS: Twenty-three males with recent complete SCI were prospectively included. Serum OPG and RANKL levels, bone turnover markers (PINP, bone ALP, CTX), and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed at baseline, at 6 months of follow-up, prior to initiating denosumab, and 6 months after treatment. The results were compared with a healthy control group. RESULTS: At baseline, SCI patients showed higher RANKL levels vs. controls which were correlated with days-since-SCI and total hip BMD loss at 6 months. OPG levels were similar to controls at baseline. After denosumab treatment, OPG showed no changes, whereas RANKL levels became undetectable in 67% of patients. Patients with undetectable RANKL during treatment showed better response in femoral BMD and bone markers vs. patients with detectable RANKL at 6 months of denosumab. Increased parathormone (PTH) levels during treatment were negatively correlated with RANKL changes. CONCLUSIONS: RANKL levels are increased after SCI and related to BMD loss at the proximal femur, becoming undetectable after denosumab treatment. The effect of denosumab on preventing sublesional bone loss, especially in patients with undetectable levels during treatment, suggests a contributory role of RANKL in this process.

Magnesium sulphate and 123I-MIBG in pheochromocytoma: two useful techniques for a complicated disease / Utilidad de la gammagrafia con 123 I-MIBG y del Sulfato de Magnesio en el diagnóstico y tratamiento del feocromocitoma

Pheochromocytoma is a tumour of the chromaffin tissue. It may, through catecholamine release, have deleterious effects on myocardial structure. A 48-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus (ASA II) was diagnosed of pheochromocytoma-induced myocarditis, which caused severe cardiogenic shock, with an ejection fraction of 20%. Extreme blood pressure swings required aggressive therapy with vasoactive drugs (norepinephrine and dopamine) and an intra-aortic balloon pump, despite which severe haemodynamic instability persisted. Finally, the use of magnesium sulphate allowed for cardiovascular stabilization and weaning off vasoactive drugs prior to surgery. 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy helps not only to functionally confirm tumour tissue, but also to assess severity and prognosis of cardiac failure. Prognosis of pheochromocytoma-induced heart failure can be very poor. The use of these two well-known and relatively simple ‘tools’ for treatment and prognosis is a helpful option to keep in mind (AU)

Los feocromocitomas son tumores del tejido cromafín. Pueden, a través de la secreción de catecolaminas, causar efectos deletéreos sobre el miocardio. Una mujer de 48 años, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus tipo II (ASA II) fue diagnosticada de feocromocitoma, con miocardiopatía, y shock cardiogénico con fracción de eyección del 20%. Las extremas oscilaciones hemodinámicas requirieron tratamiento con fármacos vasoactivos (noradrenalina y dopamina) así como el uso de un balón de contrapulsación intra-aórtico, a pesar de lo cual persistía la inestabilidad. Finalmente, el uso de sulfato de magnesio permitió la estabilización de la paciente, pudiéndose retirar las drogas vasoactivas previo a la cirugía. El uso de la gammagrafía con 123-metayodobenzilguanidina sirve no sólo para la clasificación funcional del tejido tumoral, sino también para evaluar la severidad y pronóstico del fallo cardíaco. El pronóstico de la insuficiencia cardíaca inducida por feocromocitoma puede ser grave. El uso de estas conocidas y relativamente sencillas ‘herramientas’ para el tratamiento y el pronóstico son una opción útil a tener en cuenta (AU)

Denosumab increases sublesional bone mass in osteoporotic individuals with recent spinal cord injury.

UNLABELLED: Osteoporosis is a frequent complication related to spinal cord injury (SCI), and data on osteoporosis treatment after SCI is scarce. Treatment with denosumab increases lumbar and femoral BMD and decreases bone turnover markers in individuals with recent SCI. This drug may be a promising therapeutic option in SCI-related osteoporosis. INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis development is a frequent complication related to SCI, especially at the sublesional level. Nevertheless, data on osteoporosis treatment after SCI is scarce, particularly short term after injury, when the highest bone loss is produced. The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of denosumab in the treatment of SCI-related osteoporosis. METHODS: Fourteen individuals aged 39 ± 15 years with osteoporosis secondary to recent SCI (mean injury duration 15 ± 4 months) were treated with denosumab for 12 months. Bone turnover markers (BTMs) (PINP, bone ALP, sCTx), 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), and femoral neck (FN) were assessed at baseline and at 12 months. All participants received calcium and vitamin D supplementation. RESULTS: At 12 months, SCI denosumab-treated participants showed a significant increase in BMD at TH (+2.4 ± 3.6 %, p = 0.042), FN (+3 ± 3.6 %, p = 0.006), and LS (+7.8 ± 3.7 %, p < 0.001) compared to baseline values. Denosumab treatment was associated with significant decreases in BTMs (bone ALP -42 %, p < 0.001; PINP -58 %, p < 0.001, sCTx -57 %, p = 0.002) at 12 months. BMD evolution was not related to BTM changes or 25OHD serum levels. No skeletal fractures or serious adverse events were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with denosumab increases lumbar and femoral BMD and decreases bone turnover markers in individuals with recent SCI. This drug may be a promising therapeutic option in SCI-related osteoporosis.

Magnesium sulphate and (123)I-MIBG in pheochromocytoma: Two useful techniques for a complicated disease.

Pheochromocytoma is a tumour of the chromaffin tissue. It may, through catecholamine release, have deleterious effects on myocardial structure. A 48-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and type II diabetes mellitus (ASA II) was diagnosed of pheochromocytoma-induced myocarditis, which caused severe cardiogenic shock, with an ejection fraction of 20%. Extreme blood pressure swings required aggressive therapy with vasoactive drugs (norepinephrine and dopamine) and an intra-aortic balloon pump, despite which severe haemodynamic instability persisted. Finally, the use of magnesium sulphate allowed for cardiovascular stabilization and weaning off vasoactive drugs prior to surgery. (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy helps not only to functionally confirm tumour tissue, but also to assess severity and prognosis of cardiac failure. Prognosis of pheochromocytoma-induced heart failure can be very poor. The use of these two well-known and relatively simple 'tools' for treatment and prognosis is a helpful option to keep in mind.

Factores relacionados con la respuesta inadecuada al tratamiento osteoformador (teriparatida/PTH 1-84) en pacientes con osteoporosis severa. Resultados preliminares / Factors related to bone forming inadequate response to treatment (teriparatide/PTH 1-84) in patients with severe osteoporosis. Preliminary results

El objetivo de este estudio ha sido analizar la evolución de la masa ósea a largo plazo tras tratamiento osteoformador (teriparatida o PTH 1-84) en pacientes con osteoporosis severa, y determinar la frecuencia y los factores relacionados con una respuesta inadecuada (RI) al tratamiento. Métodos: Se incluyeron 49 pacientes (46 mujeres:3 hombres) con una edad media de 69,5±11,1 años, tratados con teriparatida (41) o PTH1-84 (8) durante 18/24 meses (84% tenían fracturas vertebrales y 84% habían recibido tratamiento previamente). Se analizaron: factores de riesgo y causa de osteoporosis, fracturas y tratamiento antiosteoporótico previo. Se valoraron los marcadores de recambio óseo (MRO), los niveles de 25-OH vitamina D (25OHD) basal y a los 3, 6, 12 y 18/24 meses, radiografías de columna dorso-lumbar y densitometría ósea (DMO) previa, a los 12 y 18/24 meses. Se definió RI cuando el cambio de DMO lumbar era (AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term bone mineral density (BMD) response rate to osteoanabolic treatment in patients with severe osteoporosis and the factors related to 'inadequate' response (IR). Methods: 49 patients (46F:3M) with a mean age of 69.5±11.1 years treated with teriparatide (41) or PTH1-84 (8) during 18/24months were included (84% had vertebral fractures and 84% had previously received bisphosphonates). Previous skeletal fractures and antiosteoporotic treatment, risk factors and cause of osteoporosis were recorded in all patients. Bone turnover markers (BTM) and 25-OH vitamin D (25OHD) levels were assessed before and at 3, 6, 12 and 18/24 months. Lumbar and femoral BMD and spinal X-ray were assessed at baseline and at 12 and 18/24 months. IR was defined by a lumbar BMD change (AU)

Risk factors for the development of osteoporosis after spinal cord injury. A 12-month follow-up study.

UNLABELLED: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has been associated with a marked bone loss after injury and a consequent increased risk of osteoporosis. The evaluation of bone mineral density shortly after SCI is a simple and effective method for predicting the development of osteoporosis during the first year after SCI. INTRODUCTION: Spinal cord injury (SCI) has been associated with a marked bone loss after injury and a consequent increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with osteoporosis development short-term after SCI. METHODS: We included patients with complete recent SCI (<6 months) evaluating bone turnover markers (P1NP, bone ALP, and sCTx), 25-OH-vitamin D (25OHD) levels, and lumbar and femoral BMD (Lunar, Prodigy) at baseline, 6 and 12 months after SCI. The risk factors for osteoporosis analyzed included the following: age, gender, BMI, toxic habits, bone turnover markers, 25OHD levels, lumbar and femoral BMD, level, severity and type of SCI, and days-since-injury. Osteoporosis was defined according to WHO criteria. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients aged 35 ± 16 years were included, and 52 % developed osteoporosis during the 12-month follow-up. These latter patients had lower BMD values at femur and lumbar spine and higher bone turnover markers at baseline. On multivariate analysis, the principal factors related to osteoporosis development were as follows: total femur BMD <1 g/cm(2) (RR, 3.61; 95 % CI 1.30-10.06, p = 0.002) and lumbar BMD <1.2 g/cm(2) at baseline (0.97 probability of osteoporosis with both parameters under these values). Increased risk for osteoporosis was also associated with increased baseline values of bone ALP (>14 ng/mL) (RR 2.40; 95 % CI 1.10-5.23, p = 0.041) and P1NP (>140 ng/mL) (RR 3.08; 95 % CI 1.10-8.57, p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of BMD at the lumbar spine and femur short-term after SCI is a simple, effective method for predicting the development of osteoporosis during the first year after SCI. Our results also indicate the need to evaluate and treat these patients shortly after injury.

123I-MIBG cardiac uptake, smell identification and 123I-FP-CIT SPECT in the differential diagnosis between vascular parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease.

UNLABELLED: Vascular parkinsonism (VP) may occur as a distinct clinicopathological entity but the comorbid presence of vascular damage in Parkinson's disease (PD) is very frequent too. This differential diagnosis has therapeutic and prognostic implications but remains challenging as the usefulness of a number of supporting tools is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the clinical value of cardiac (123)I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine ((123)I-MIBG) SPECT, olfactory function and (123)I-FP-CIT SPECT as supporting tools in the differential diagnosis between VP and PD. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 15 consecutive patients with suspected VP, 15 PD patients and 9 healthy subjects. Cardiac (123)I-MIBG SPECT (heart-to-mediastinum ratio) and olfactory testing (University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test-UPSIT) were performed in all of them. (123)I-FP-CIT SPECT was performed in VP-suspected patients. RESULTS: Heart-to-mediatinum ratio was significant lower in suspected VP (mean 1.45) and PD (mean 1.16) compared to control group (mean 1.69) (p = 0.017 and p < 0.0001). VP patients presented a higher ratio than PD patients (p = 0.001). Control group presented a significant higher UPSIT score (mean 30.71) when compared to both VP (mean 18.33) and PD (mean 15.29) (p = 0.001 for both groups). Those VP with a cardiac (123)I-MIBG non suggestive of PD were more likely to have a higher UPSIT score (p = 0.006). (123)I-FP-CIT SPECT imaging was heterogeneous (7/15 VP normal, 3/15 abnormal suggestive of PD and 5/15 abnormal but atypical for PD). CONCLUSIONS: The use of cardiac (123)I-MIBG SPECT and to a lesser extent UPSIT could assist the differential diagnosis between VP and PD in subjects in which the diagnosis remains uncertain despite (123)I-FP-CIT SPECT imaging.

Patients with cirrhosis and ascites have false values of bone density: implications for the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

UNLABELLED: The effect of ascites on bone densitometry has been assessed in 25 patients with advanced cirrhosis, and it was concluded that ascites over 4 l causes inaccuracy of BMD measurements, particularly at the lumbar spine. This fact must be considered when assessing bone mass in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. INTRODUCTION: Bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the best procedure for assessment of osteoporosis and fracture risk, but BMD values at the central skeleton may be influenced by changes in soft tissues. Therefore, we have studied the effect of ascites on BMD. METHODS: BMD was measured by DXA at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip, just before and shortly after therapeutic paracentesis in 25 patients with advanced liver cirrhosis. Changes in BMD, lean and fat mass, abdominal diameter and weight, as well as the amount of removed ascites were measured. RESULTS: The amount of drained ascites was 6.6 ± 0.5 l (range: 3.0 to 12.7 l). After paracentesis, BMD increased at the lumbar spine (from 0.944 ± 0.035 to 0.997 ± 0.038 g/cm(2), p < 0.001) and at the total hip (from 0.913 ± 0.036 to 0.926 ± 0.036 g/cm(2), p < 0.01). Patients with a volume of drained ascites higher than 4 l showed a significant increase in lumbar BMD (7.0%), compared with patients with a lower amount (1.5%) (p < 0.03). The decrease in total soft tissue mass correlated with the amount of removed ascites (r = 0.951, p < 0.001). Diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia changed after paracentesis in 12% of patients. CONCLUSION: Ascites over 4 l causes inaccuracy of BMD measurements, particularly at the lumbar spine. This fact must be considered when assessing bone mass in patients with advanced cirrhosis.

Efficacy of low doses of pamidronate in osteopenic patients administered in the early post-renal transplant.

UNLABELLED: This study evaluates the efficacy of low doses of pamidronate after renal transplantation to prevent bone loss in osteopenic patients. Results show that pamidronate is safe and significantly reduced spinal bone loss when administered immediately after renal transplantation. INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of two intravenous infusions of pamidronate in the immediate post-transplant period in a renal transplant (RT) population. METHODS: In this 12-month, randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial, 39 kidney recipients with diagnosed osteopenia received two doses of 30 mg of disodium pamidronate (n = 24) or placebo (n = 15), at surgery and 3 months post-RT. All patients received calcium and vitamin D. Bone density of the lumbar spine and total femur was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and X-rays were performed at RT, 6 and 12 months post-RT. Biochemical and hormonal determinations were performed before and after treatment. RESULTS: Pamidronate significantly reduced spinal bone loss, but no significant benefit was found for the incidence of fractures. Elevated baseline intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and bone remodeling markers returned to normal levels 3 months post-RT. However, normal procollagen type I N propeptide (PINP) concentrations were only maintained in the pamidronate group. After RT, a comparable graft function was observed in both groups according to creatinine values, 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25-OH-D) levels were improved, and serum calcium levels normalized after a transient fall during the first 3 months. CONCLUSION: A low dose of pamidronate prevents bone loss in osteopenic patients when administered immediately after RT.

Monitoring system for isolated limb perfusion based on a portable gamma camera.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of malignant melanoma or sarcomas on a limb using extremity perfusion with tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) and melphalan can result in a high degree of systemic toxicity if there is any leakage from the isolated blood territory of the limb into the systemic vascular territory. Leakage is currently controlled by using radiotracers and heavy external probes in a procedure that requires continuous manual calculations. The aim of this work was to develop a light, easily transportable system to monitor limb perfusion leakage by controlling systemic blood pool radioactivity with a portable gamma camera adapted for intraoperative use as an external probe, and to initiate its application in the treatment of MM patients. METHODS: A special collimator was built for maximal sensitivity. Software for acquisition and data processing in real time was developed. After testing the adequacy of the system, it was used to monitor limb perfusion leakage in 16 patients with malignant melanoma to be treated with perfusion of TNF-alpha and melphalan. RESULTS: The field of view of the detector system was 13.8 cm, which is appropriate for the monitoring, since the area to be controlled was the precordial zone. The sensitivity of the system was 257 cps/MBq. When the percentage of leakage reaches 10% the associated absolute error is +/-1%. After a mean follow-up period of 12 months, no patients have shown any significant or lasting side-effects. Partial or complete remission of lesions was seen in 9 out of 16 patients (56%) after HILP with TNF-alpha and melphalan. CONCLUSION: The detector system together with specially developed software provides a suitable automatic continuous monitoring system of any leakage that may occur during limb perfusion. This technique has been successfully implemented in patients for whom perfusion with TNF-alpha and melphalan has been indicated.

Aetiology and clinical characteristics of male osteoporosis. Have they changed in the last few years?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical characteristics and etiological factors related to male osteoporosis in patients attending an out-patient rheumatology department during an 11-year period (1995-2006), as well as to compare them with the observed characteristics in a previous study performed 12 years ago. METHODS: 232 males aged 21-88 (mean 56.1+/-14) with osteoporosis were included in the study. Previous skeletal fractures and family history of osteoporosis were recorded. Bone mass assessment, automated biochemical profile and hormonal measurements (including PTH, 25-OH vitamin D, cortisol, thyroid and sexual hormones) were performed on most patients as well as 24 h urinary calcium, and bone markers. In patients with idiopathic osteoporosis 1-25-OH2 vitamin D was also determined. In addition, x-rays of the spine were obtained for all patients. RESULTS: 67% of the patients had previous skeletal fractures and 51% had vertebral fractures. 57% of the patients had idiopathic and 43% had secondary osteoporosis whereas in the previous series only 22% of the patients had idiopathic disease. The most frequent causes of secondary osteoporosis were corticosteroid therapy, hypogonodism and alcoholism. 38% of the patients with idiopathic osteoporosis had associated hypercalciuria. Patients with secondary osteoporosis were older, shorter, had lower femoral neck T-score and lower serum values of 25-OH vitamin D and testosterone, as well as higher gonadotrophin and PTH values than the patients with idiopathic osteoporosis, whereas patients with idiopathic osteoporosis had higher urinary calcium and more frequent family history of osteoporosis. Hypercalciuric patients were younger, had lower lumbar BMD, higher urinary calcium and greater incidence of lithiasis than normocalciuric patients with idiopathic osteoporosis. Back pain, frequently associated with vertebral fractures, was the most common cause of referral in all groups of patients. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic osteoporosis is the most frequent cause of male osteoporosis in this study. In these patients, family history of osteoporosis and associated hypercalciuria are frequent. The most frequent causes of secondary osteoporosis in males include corticosteroid therapy, hypogonadism and alcoholism. Although clinical characteristics of male osteoporosis are similar to that previously reported, in this study the percentage of patients with idiopathic osteoporosis was higher than previously observed.

Dynamic model of the left ventricle for use in simulation of myocardial perfusion SPECT and gated SPECT.

Simulation is a useful tool in cardiac SPECT to assess quantification algorithms. However, simple equation-based models are limited in their ability to simulate realistic heart motion and perfusion. We present a numerical dynamic model of the left ventricle, which allows us to simulate normal and anomalous cardiac cycles, as well as perfusion defects. Bicubic splines were fitted to a number of control points to represent endocardial and epicardial surfaces of the left ventricle. A transformation from each point on the surface to a template of activity was made to represent the myocardial perfusion. Geometry-based and patient-based simulations were performed to illustrate this model. Geometry-based simulations modeled (1) a normal patient, (2) a well-perfused patient with abnormal regional function, (3) an ischaemic patient with abnormal regional function, and (4) a patient study including tracer kinetics. Patient-based simulation consisted of a left ventricle including a realistic shape and motion obtained from a magnetic resonance study. We conclude that this model has the potential to study the influence of several physical parameters and the left ventricle contraction in myocardial perfusion SPECT and gated-SPECT studies.

Is there a role for (99m)Tc-anti-CEA monoclonal antibody imaging in the diagnosis of recurrent colorectal carcinoma?

AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of immunoscintigraphy with an anti-CEA monoclonal antibody fragment labelled with (99m)Tc for early detection of colorectal recurrence in patients with rising serum CEA levels. METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients (27 women, 24 men) with colorectal cancer (mean age 68.9+/-10.2 years) and rising CEA levels (16.2+/-18.2 ng/ml) were prospectively studied. Two immunoscintigraphy studies were performed in 8 patients (n=59). Immunoscintigraphy was performed after i.v. injection of 925 MBq of anti-CEA monoclonal antibody. Planar images of the thorax, abdomen and pelvis, as well as SPECT of the abdomen and pelvis were obtained at 4 and 24 hours after injection. In all cases an abdominal CT scan was previously performed. Findings were validated by histopathological analysis (28 cases) or by imaging and clinical follow-up of at least 6 months following the immunoscintigraphy (31 cases). RESULTS: Forty-one patients did not show recurrence during follow-up. We found 18 cases with confirmed diagnosis of extrahepatic abdominal or pelvic diseases, 11 cases with liver metastases, 9 in the thorax and 2 in the bone. In patients with pelvic and extrahepatic abdominal disease, immunoscintigraphy was positive in 18 cases (14 true positive, 4 false positive). From the 14 true positive only 7 cases had been detected by CT. Immunoscintigraphy was negative in the remaining 41 cases (37 true negative, 4 false negative). Therefore, the sensitivity and specificity for immunoscintigraphy in extrahepatic abdominal and pelvic disease were 78% and 90%, respectively. CT results showed a lower sensitivity of 61% (p<0.05) and specificity of 83%. Liver metastases were detected by CT in 9 cases, but only 2 of these were identified using immunoscintigraphy. CONCLUSION: Scintigraphy with anti-CEA monoclonal antibody fragment labelled with (99m)Tc is superior to CT for the detection of pelvic and extrahepatic abdominal recurrence of colorectal cancer, while CT is more sensitive in the detection of liver and lung metastases. Immunoscintigraphy has a limited usefulness in the detection of distant metastases, but it may be helpful in the diagnosis of suspected colorectal recurrence in patients with non-conclusive CT findings, when FDG-PET is not available.