Bone lesions represent a common diagnostic challenge in oncology and general radiology, as they may be of malignant, benign, or degenerative origin. Accurate differentiation is essential for guiding appropriate management, avoiding unnecessary biopsies or surgeries, and improving patient outcomes.
Among imaging modalities, 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (MDP) bone scintigraphy has long been a cornerstone in skeletal evaluation due to its high sensitivity in detecting bone turnover. However, hybrid SPECT/CT imaging, which combines functional and anatomical data, has revolutionized bone imaging by enhancing lesion localization, characterization, and diagnostic specificity.
Recent advances in quantitative SPECT/CT allow the extraction of semi-quantitative parameters, such as the Standardized Uptake Value (SUV), previously limited to PET imaging. These SUV-based parameters have shown promising diagnostic value in distinguishing benign from malignant skeletal lesions.
For instance, SUVmax thresholds derived from 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT have been proposed in several studies, with malignant lesions often demonstrating higher uptake than benign ones due to increased osteoblastic activity.
In resource-limited settings such as Egypt, access to PET/CT remains constrained due to cost and availability, especially outside major urban centers. Consequently, leveraging the diagnostic utility of quantitative SPECT/CT could bridge the gap in skeletal lesion assessment and aid in earlier detection and treatment planning.
Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of SPECT/CT-derived SUV in differentiating benign and malignant bone lesions at a tertiary center in Upper Egypt. It will analyze the correlation between SUV metrics, lesion morphology, and final diagnosis, contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting quantitative SPECT/CT in musculoskeletal oncology.
