Aim: To compare diagnostic performance of SPECT/CT versus planar
imaging in characterization of equivocal osseous lesions in cancer patients
detected on bone scintigraphy. Materials & Methods: This prospective
study recruited patients known to have primary tumor referred for
bone scintigraphywith their planar images showing solitary or few equivocal
osseous lesions. Every patient underwent planar whole body scan
followed by SPECT/CT for the concerned region(s). The gold standard
was based on clinical/imaging follow-up for at least 6-12 months. The
findings from both modalities were compared for diagnostic performance
indices. Results: A total of 150 patients were included in this study (110
females ,40 males) with median age 54 years (range:7-84). The sensitivity,
specificity and accuracy for planar scintigraphy versus SPECT/CT
were (72% vs. 85%, 61% vs. 83% & 66% vs. 84%; respectively. The
differences in sensitivity & specificity were statistically significant (P =
0.04 & 0.001); respectively. Conclusion: SPECT/CT significantly improved
the diagnostic performance of planar bone scintigraphy in characterization
of equivocal osseous lesions.