Clinical utility of three-dimensional SPECT/CT imaging as a guide for the resection of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

In recent years, proactive surgical treatment has been reported to be effective for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). However, an uncertain resection entails the risk of recurrence, whereas an extensive surgical procedure may lead to a marked reduction in quality of life as a result of reduced masticatory function and poor cosmesis. Therefore, radiological assessment can be helpful to accurately localize MRONJ before surgery. The integrated single-photon emission computed tomography and computed tomography system (SPECT/CT) allows oral and maxillofacial surgeons to identify an area of MRONJ, especially when three-dimensional (3D) SPECT and CT fusion images are offered. A patient for whom 3D SPECT and CT image fusion (as developed in the radiology department of the study institution) contributed to determining the extent of the lesion, thereby leading to a favourable patient prognosis, is reported herein. There was exact correlation between the histological and radiological results.