Reversible pulmonary uptake and hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathic distribution of technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate in a case of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.

Diffuse pulmonary deposition of [99mTc]methylene diphosphonate (MDP) as well as abnormalities characteristic of hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy have been observed in a patient with Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP). The findings of the bone scan together with those in the corresponding scintigraphy, and roentgenograms of the chest and skeletal structures are presented. Parallel reversal of [67Ga]citrate and [99mTc]MDP pulmonary uptake with specific treatment for and clinical resolution of PCP implies a causal relationship.