Which condition can be detected by evaluating bone metabolism with Tc-99m?

• A. Cardiovascular diseases
• B. Diabetes
• C. Infections
• D. Respiratory issues

Answer: (C)

Evaluating bone metabolism with Tc-99m is particularly effective for detecting infections, notably osteomyelitis or infections of bone tissue. The radiopharmaceutical has a high affinity for areas of increased bone turnover and metabolic activity, which often occurs in the presence of infection. When an infection is present, the body's immune response causes osteoblastic activity to increase, allowing Tc-99m to localize in these areas and highlight them during imaging studies.

In contrast, the other conditions—cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory issues—do not primarily involve changes in bone metabolism. Cardiovascular diseases are generally assessed through other imaging techniques that focus on heart structure and function. Diabetes primarily affects metabolic processes related to glucose management and does not directly impact bone metabolism. Respiratory issues involve the lungs and airways, thus being evaluated through pulmonary imaging techniques rather than bone-specific radiopharmaceuticals.