Bone abnormalities detected with skeletal scintigraphy after bone marrow harvest in patients with childhood neuroblastoma.

Abstract

To illustrate abnormalities detected with radionuclide skeletal scintigraphy, computed tomography (CT), and radiography after bone marrow harvest in patients who are candidates for autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) in treatment of neuroblastoma. Twenty-four patients with neuroblastoma underwent ABMT and evaluation with conventional skeletal scintigraphy. Findings of abnormality on bone scans were correlated whenever possible with findings from CT and plain radiography. Skeletal scintigraphy revealed 36 sites of increased activity in the sacroiliac region, iliac crest, or both caused by bone marrow harvest in the 24 patients. In 10 patients, follow-up bone scans showed complete disappearance of abnormal activity at 18 sites. The harvesting of marrow for ABMT caused iatrogenic abnormalities on bone scans. It is important that these be recognized so that they will not be confused with progressive or new metastases.