In this paper

the value of differentiating metastases from benign of bone lesions in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma using SPECT/ CT fusion imaging is evaluated.From patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) confirmed by pathology underwent bone scintigraphy

97 patients were selected to undergo SPECT/CT scanning.The bone scintigraphy and SPECT/CT fusion images were analyzed by two experienced nuclear medicine physicians together.Each patient was rated using a 3-point diagnostic confidence scale:metastasis

benign and uncertainty.The analyzed items were divided into two groups

i.e.certainty to diagnose(metastasis and benign) and uncertainty to diagnose.The percentage and its 95% confidence intervals of each group were calculated.The coincidence rate of bone metastases compared with the final diagnosis and its 95% confidence interval were calculated.The degree of certainty to diagnose on bone scintigraphy was 36.1%(35/97)

its 95% confidence intervals range from 26.5% to 45.6%.The degree of uncertainty to diagnose on bone scintigraphy was 63.9%(62/97)

its 95% confidence intervals range from 54.4% to 73.5%.The coincidence rate of bone metastases was 50.0%(24/48)

its 95% confidence intervals range from 35.9% to 64.1%.The degree of certainty to diagnose on SPECT/CT fusion images was 81.4%(79/97)

its 95% confidence intervals range from 73.7 % to 89.1%.The degree of uncertainty to diagnose on SPECT/CT fusion images was 18.6%(18/97)

its 95% confidence intervals range from 10.9% to 26.3%.The coincidence rate of bone metastases was 95.8%(46/48)

its 95% confidence intervals range from 90.1% to 100%.SPECT/CT fusion images provide more information than bone scintigraphy in differentiating metastases from benign lesions in patients with HCC

increase the degree of certainty to diagnose

especially increase the diagnostic accuracy in some false-negative cases diagnosed by bone scintigraphy.