Heart and Lung Accumulation of Tc-99m MDP With Normal Radiographs in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis

Abstract

The authors report a case of striking Tc-99m MDP uptake in the heart and another case of variable MDP uptake in the lungs of a patient undergoing hemodialysis. Uremic calcification in the lungs is not unusual, but heart calcification related to hemodialysis has not been reported. Interestingly, three other patients with pulmonary calcifications had normal radiographic findings. The second patient used to drink water rich in CaCO₃ (which chelates phosphorous and is related to soft tissue uptake of calcium). Bone scintigraphy should be considered superior to conventional radiographic studies in such cases.