Single photon emission computerized tomography of the skull.

The diagnostic contribution of single photon emission tomography for detection of bone lesions of the skull was explored in 125 cases and compared with planar imaging. Twenty-one localizations (16% of the total group) were only visualized by scintitomography, these were predominantly lesions of the base of the skull and facial bones. Scintitomography gave a false negative result in only one lesion out of 49 visible on skull radiographs. Together with the revelation of unsuspected bone abnormalities, SPECT generally provides a better visualization of the skull lesions and their extent than does planar imaging. In cases where disease of the facial bones and the base of the skull is suspected, scintitomography is an indispensable adjunct to planar scintigraphy.