The utility of bone scintigraphy with SPect/ct in the evaluation and management of frostbite injuries

Abstract

objective: Frostbite is a localized cold-thermal injury subsequently leading to earlier definitive management resulting from prolonged exposure of flesh to freezing and shorter hospital stay. and near freezing temperatures. The depth and extent of conclusion: Multiphase technetium-99m-methylen-frostbite injuries are not easily assessed, from a clinical ediphosphonate ( 99 mTc-MDP) bone scintigraphy with standpoint, at the time of injury making it challenging to SPECT/CT can expedite clinical management of frost-plan appropriate management and treatment. bite injuries by determining the extent of injury and can Methods: A review of the literature of management of accurately predict the level of amputation if needed. cold-related injuries and retrospective case review of the Advances in knowledge: SPECT/CT is underutilized at imaging and clinical course of frostbite injury. many facilities but can have a profound and immediate Results: Bone scintigraphy with single photon emission impact on clinical management of patients with frostbite computed tomography (SPECT)/CT was performed when used in combination with physiological bone scan in the acute and subacute course of frostbite injuries, imaging.