Sodium 18F-Fluoride Bone Scintigraphy in Deep Ocean Diver

Sodium ¹⁸F-fluoride (NaF) is a diagnostic marker for new bone formation in bone scintigraphy that was approved by US FDA in 1972 but discontinued in 1984. We report a case of a US naval officer who spent time living and working in an oceanic lab, 205 feet below the surface. Plain skeletal films of femurs 4 years later demonstrate bilateral bone infarcts. Corresponding sodium ¹⁸F-fluoride bone scintigraphy demonstrates low-normal to decreased tracer activity. This rectilinear scan image is of historical interest. Other bone scintigraphic radiotracers used in the past and present will be briefly discussed.