[Joint scintigraphy using 99mTc pyrophosphate].

Joint scintigraphy was performed in 85 patients suffering from a variety of rheumatic diseases, using a gamma camera and line scanner. Tc-pyrophosphate was the radio nuclide employed; it accumulates selectively in the juxta-articular parts of the bone. The method provides an objective demonstration of inflammatory and degenerative rheumatic joint changes. More over scintigraphic changes can be demonstrated in joint disease which is too early to be clinically apparant or before there are any corresponding changes in serological parameters. The method is useful both in the localisation and staging of disease, in the evaluation of treatment and as an objective control of clinical skills.