Detection of lung metastases from osteosarcoma by scintigraphy using 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate.

The results of 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate 99mTc-MDP scintigraphy in 37 osteosarcoma patients were evaluated. In 11 of 12 patients with pulmonary metastases these were demonstrated by the scintigram. In 2 of these 11 patients the lung metastases could be shown earlier by scintigraphy than by X-ray tomography. Uptake of 99mTc-MDP appeared to be correlated with the formation of osteoid by the tumor. 99mTc-MDP scintigraphy demonstrated metastases not only in the lungs and the skeleton, but also in the lymph nodes and soft tissues. 99mTc-MDP whole-body scintigraphy should be used routinely for the early detection of osteosarcoma metastases.