Bone scintigraphy and densitometry in symptomatic haemodialysis bone disease

Bone scintigraphy and densitometry (iodine-125 photon absorptiometry) were performed in eight patients with symptomatic haemodialysis bone disease. The bone scintiscan showed either hot spots or hyperactivity as a feature of metabolic bone disease. The bone density (BMC/W) was reduced, but could not be distinguished from the degree of demineralisation found in asymptomatic patients on long-term haemodialysis. Therefore, bone density measurements require critical interpretation. Complementary bone scintigraphy should be used in symptomatic haemodialysis bone disease for assessing the extent of the disease.