Comparative Studies on ^99mTc-Pyrophosphate and ⁸⁵Sr-Chloride for Skeletal Imaging

Abstract

In order to know the potential merits of ^99mTc-pyrophosphate (^99mTc-PYP) skeltal imaging, a comparative study was carried out by administering to the rabbit ⁸⁵Sr-chloride (⁸⁵Sr), classical bone-seeking agent, and ^99mTc-PYP simultaneously. Radioisotopic distribution was investigated as regards their deposition in the pelvic bones, and sharpness of the skeletal scintigrams, too.
Both agents were remarkably afnitive to the skeletal system and there were remarkably differences in their temporal deposition pattern. Marked deposition was observed of either agent in the metaphyses. With ^99mTc-PYP, the vertebral and costal systems were delineated symmetrically and each vertebral body was distinctly depicted as such ^99mTc-PYP many possess the following merits over ⁸⁵Sr; (1) owing to its physical properties, sullieiently large radioactivity of ^99mTc-can be administered; (2) body burden of radiation absorption is reduced; (3) skeletal scintigrams of high quality are obtainable in ashort period of time.