An Experimental Study for Minimum Level of Decalcification to Detect the Osteolytic Bone Metastasis of Long Bone on Plain Radiography

Abstract

BackgroundIn 1951, Ardran reported that metastatic bone lesions could be detectable on plain radiography with 30% to 50% of decalcification. Authors performed experimental study for minimum level of decalcification to detect the osteolytic bone metastasis of long bone with recent technique of radiographs.MethodsOne pair of fibula and humerus from two cadavers was cut into specimen 1 inch in length. Distal half of specimen was dipped into hydrochloride (HCl) with 15 min interval. All 16 specimens were checked by film-type radiography (FR), computed radiography (CR), digital radiography (DR). To exclude inter-observer's variance, 3 radiologists evaluated images. Calcium amount before and after decalcification was measured and expressed in percentage of decalcification.ResultsOsteolytic changes were detectable with 11% to 16% of decalcification for fibula and 3% to 8% for humerus on plain radiography with FR, CR, and DR.ConclusionsOur study showed that minimum of 3% and maximum of 16% of decalcification is necessary when osteolytic metastatic bone lesions of long bone could be detected on plain radiography.

A novel abdominal aortic aneurysm model produced by periarterial application of hydrochloric acid

“…Unlike CaCl 2 or a mixture of CaCl 2 with phosphate, with lasting effects on the aorta because of the deposition of calcium phosphate crystals, HCl is volatile and the chemical injury caused by HCl is transient, while the consequent inflammation would persist for a longer duration. In addition, HCl is a common decalcification agent for bone specimens [ 18 ]; thus, the treated aorta would show no calcification. Therefore, this novel model could be used to test the elastic compliance of the aortic wall, providing clues to the mechanical mechanism of the aneurysm.…”