Unusual Persistence of Tc-99m MDP Uptake in the Incisional Scar after Thoracotomy

Postoperative scar is one of the causes of extraosseous localization of Tc-99m phosphonate bone agents. Usually, an incisional scar will not be visualized in a Tc-99m phosphonate skeletal image two weeks after surgery. A case is reported with an unusually persistent localization of radiotracer in the scar of a thoracotomy seen in three consecutive bone images done beyond two weeks postoperatively. This patient suffered from “pulmonary insufficiency” before and after the thoracotomy. The abnormal radiotracer localization in the scar is presumably related to his pulmonary insufficiency, with resulting relatively delayed wound healing.