Diagnostic value of 99mTc-MDP single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A single-center retrospective study of 39 patients.

OBJECTIVE

The focus of this study was to assess the diagnostic effectiveness of 99mTc-MDP single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in pinpointing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

METHODS

We gathered a total of 39 patients who were suspected of having MRONJ and displayed radionuclide concentration in the jaws on whole-body bone scans. These patients were subjected to simultaneous SPECT/CT fusion imaging of the jaws during delayed imaging. A consistent team of nuclear medicine physicians and oral and maxillofacial surgeons carried out diagnostic evaluations using SPECT/CT image analysis and dental specialist examinations, and the diagnoses were documented.

RESULTS

Based on the SPECT/CT image analysis and dental specialist examination outcomes, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT in diagnosing suspected MRONJ. Further, we enumerated the number and proportion of patients at each stage.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT demonstrates high diagnostic precision in patients suspected of MRONJ who display radionuclide concentration in the jaw on whole-body bone scans. Moreover, it proves beneficial in identifying the early stages of MRONJ.