A combined method for quantitative pertechnetate scintigraphy in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis. A controlled study.

A simplified scintigraphic technique for the assessment of sacroiliitis is described. It is based on the fact that an inflamed joint shows increased perfusion activity after administration of sodium pertechnetate. The sacroiliac joints are located by injection of a small amount of bone-seeking activity. Thereafter the pertechnetate activity is injected and the bone-seeking activity subtracted. The perfusion (pertechnetate) activity of the sacro-iliac joints is related to the activity of the large vessels of the thigh. Normal values have been established based on a study of 39 healthy controls. The method has been applied to 2 groups of patients with clinical sacroiliitis, one with and one without radiographical signs of sacroiliitis. The patients with radiographically verified sacroiliitis showed significantly higher values than the controls. The technique offers a high specificity and a high positive predictive value.