To evaluate the diagnostic usefulness and significance of quantitative sacroiliac joint
scintigraphy in the assessment of sacroiliitis, we measured Sacroiliac Joint/Sacrum
Uptake Ratio(SIS Ratio) by region of interest(ROI) method using Tc-99m-methylene
diphosphonate. The observed results were as follows:1) Using ROI method, the SIS
ratios for the control group of 65 persons were 1.05±0.08(left) and 1.06±0.07(right)
which were narrower in range than those of slice method(mean±S.D.) 2) The effects of
age, gender and laterality on SIS ratio were not significant. 3) In left side, one of 6
patients with rheumatoid arthritis had SIS ratio in excess of 2 standard deviation of
normal control group, and remainder had SIS ratios within normal limit. In right side, 3
patients had SIS ratios in excess of 2 standard deviation of normal control group, and
remainder, within normal limit. 4) In both sacroiliac joint, 2 of 3 patients having
sacroiliitis clinically with Reiter's syndrome whose pelvis A-P X-ray findings showed
normal had high SIS ratios (left/right;1.31/1.69, 1.90/1.80), but SIS ratio of one patient
who bad no evidence of sacroiliitis clinically was within normal limit. 5) In 6 patients
with ankylosing spondylitis in both sacroiliac joints, q whose pelvis A-P X-ray findings
showed severe sclerotic change of sacroiliac pints had SIS ratio within normal limit or
below that of normal control group, and SIS ratios of 2 patients whose pelvis A-P
X-ray findings showed were increased. 6) 4 of 5 patients with low back pain of which
cause could not be evaluated clinically and radiologically had SIS ratios in excess of
that of normal control group. It would be concluded the quantitative sacroiliac joit
scintigraphy is useful and sensitive screening method in the diagnosis as well as in the
assessment clinical activity of sacroiliitis.