CT Scan States Mild Increased Tracer Activity In Ribs. What Does It Mean?

Posted on Fri, 18 Nov 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 Answered on

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : mild increased tracer activity indentified in the 10th ribs bilaterally without corresponding abnormality on bone windows of ct scan 57 yr old male 5ft 8 196 pounds african american

Answered by Dr. Radhika (-12 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Mild tracer activity seen in 10th rib bilaterally can be due to many causes like infection, inflammation, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis and sometimes cancer.

The uptake of the tracer will be determined by how fast the metabolism of the bone is working. Faster metabolism will mean more uptake.

Cancer and a few other things cause a lot of uptake, and that is what makes them visible. They stand out as "hot spots" on the image.

You do not seem to have any abnormality on CT (computerized tomography), which is a good thing.

It is less likely to be malignant. Do not worry.

Hope I have answered your query. I will be available for follow up queries.

Wishing you good health.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E