Vinay Kumar Singh MBBS,MRCS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Sadaf Javed MBBS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Arum Parthipum MRCP,FRCR, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Andrea Sott MBBS,MRCS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Single photon-emission CT-CT (SPECT-CT) is a new imaging modality combining high detail CT with highly sensitive triple phase nuclear bone scanning. Little has been published about its diagnostic accuracy and usefulness in foot and ankle pathology. Aim of our study was to evaluate accuracy of SPECT-CT in diagnosis of foot and ankle pathologies.  

A prospective study involving 50 patients was conducted between March 2010 and April 2011. SPECT-CT was requested in complex cases where definitive clinical diagnosis could not be attained after thorough clinical examination and plain radiography. Pathology as highlighted on SPECT-CT was taken as the definitive diagnosis and was treated accordingly. Patients were subsequently seen in the follow up clinic to evaluate the outcome of their treatment.  

In 11 patients (22%), provisional clinical correlation matched with the findings of the SPECT-CT and no change in treatment was necessary. In 39 patients (78%) findings of SPECT-CT did not correlate exactly with clinical findings leading to a modified treatment plan. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive value of SPECT-CT in this series was 95.45%, 83.3%, 97.6% and 71.43% respectively.

SPECT-CT is a useful investigation tool in foot and ankle pathologies, present study shows high diagnostic accuracy and we recommend its use in cases with diagnostic uncertainty.

SPECT-CT is a useful investigation tool in foot and ankle pathologies, present study shows high diagnostic accuracy and we recommend its use in cases with diagnostic uncertainty.

Singh, V, Javed, S, Parthipum, A, Sott, A, Diagnostic Value of Single Photon-Emission CT-CT (SPECT-CT) in Foot and Ankle Pathology .  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12036442.html