Ask a doctor on the topic of Radiology

Skeleton scintigraphy black spot

November 19, 2017 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Christian Lössel

Dear Dr.,

I am concerned about my images from the skeletal scintigraphy. There is a black spot visible on the right ribs. Is this normal?
Sincerely

Christian Lössel

Dear inquirer,

I have reviewed the images of the skeletal scintigraphy that you provided.

The series of images are cross-sectional views of the skeletal scintigraphy, in which you are looking into the body from the front.

I can identify the black spot you described in images 1-4 in the second row from the top, as well as image 1 in the third row from the top.

However, this is not an accumulation in the ribs. The radioactive substance that was injected into you is excreted through the kidneys. Therefore, this is a representation of the radioactive substance in the so-called renal calyx-pelvis system. Depending on the nature of these ducts from the kidney, such accumulations can appear more or less prominently.

I recommend that you inquire about the findings at the facility where the images were taken, and if necessary, discuss them with the nuclear medicine specialist who examined them. There is likely a written report of the findings that you can also discuss with your treating physician.

I hope this explanation has been helpful to you and wish you all the best!