Radiostrontium in the Early Diagnosis of Bone Metastases in Patients with Prostatic Carcinoma

Abstract

The diagnostic value of external counting of radiostrontium in the early diagnosis of pelvic and lower spinal metastases in patients with prostatic carcinoma is described. Thirty-two patients with prostatic carcinoma were investigated for bone metastases by external counting of ⁸⁵Sr. The method proved to be a sensitive and reliable way of detecting early osteoblastic osseous metastases. By external counting of ⁸⁵Sr, an earlier detection of the metastases and a closer view of its dissemination was possible than by X-ray. Local elevation of the isotope uptake in bone in patients with prostatic carcinoma is highly indicative of metastasis, even though radiological examination does not reveal any abnormality.