99mTc-HMPAO labeled leukocyte SPECT in intracranial lesions

BACKGROUND: Scintigraphy with 111In (indium-111)-oxine or 99mTechnetium-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (99mTc-HMPAO) labeled leukocytes has been used to differentiate brain abscess from brain tumor. However, there are false positive or false negative results from planar scintigraphic images. So a more specific and sensitive scintigraphic technique needs to be developed. METHODS: Planar and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) images were obtained and reviewed in 14 patients with intracerebral ring-enhancing lesions on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In all patients, diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination. The effect of steroids or antibiotics on scintigraphic finding was examined. RESULTS: Abscess was confirmed in six patients, tumor in six, tuberculoma and cysticercosis in one each, respectively. In all the patients with abscess, SPECT showed increased focal activity irrespective of steroid or antibiotic therapy. Increased radioactivity, which could not be detected on planar images, could be identified in two patients with abscess. In three of the six patients with tumor, radiolabeled leukocytes did not accumulate in the tumor. In the other three patients with tumor, SPECT showed focally increased activity that was less intense than the activity shown in the patients with abscess. CONCLUSIONS: 99mTc-HMPAO labeled leukocyte SPECT is useful for the differential diagnosis of intracerebral ring-enhancing lesions, and the use of steroids or antibiotics does not influence the sensitivity of SPECT. Diagnostic sensitivity of scintigraphy with labeled leukocytes could be improved by SPECT in addition to planar image.     

Technetium 99m tetrofosmin parathyroid imaging. Results with double-phase study and SPECT in primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) of technetium 99m (99mTc) tetrofosmin double-phase scintigraphy and single-photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) in preoperative localization of parathyroid adenoma in case of primary and secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). METHODS: Sixty-eight consecutive patients biochemically or sonographically suspected of parathyroid adenoma were included in our study. Apart from biochemical analysis of serum calcium, phosphate, and intact parathyroid hormone, double-phase scintigraphy was performed in each patient 5 and 45 minutes after injection of 370 MBq 99mTc tetrofosmin, followed by SPECT imaging. In consciousness of the scintigraphic results, ultrasound of the neck was performed as well to exclude false-positive results due to thyroid adenomas. RESULTS: Depending on the results of the biochemical analysis in combination with the results of the scintigraphic and ultrasound examination, the patients were classified retrospectively into three groups: group A with primary HPT (n = 35), group B with secondary HPT (n = 13), and group C without any biochemical suspicion of primary or secondary HPT (n = 20). In group A, double-phase study localized 25 of 36 (69.2%) parathyroid adenomas (one double adenoma) as against 34 of 36 (94.4%) with SPECT. Nine adenomas could be visualized only by SPECT. The reason for nonvisualization on planar scans was suspected to be an ectopic location in 2 cases (retrotracheal dislocation, retrovascular dislocation), a maximal diameter less than 15 mm (9-13 mm) in 6 cases, and oxyphilic-cell-poor cellularity in 1 case. Four false-positive retention (3 thyroid adenomas and 1 papillary thyroid carcinoma) were observed. SPECT showed a sensitivity of 94.4%, a specificity of 85%, and a PPV of 91.9% in biochemically suspected primary HPT. In group B, planar scintigraphy demonstrated 12 hyperplastic glands in 5 of 13 patients, and SPECT demonstrated 20 hyperplastic parathyroid glands in 8 out of 13 patients, which corresponds to a sensitivity of 38% and 61.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Technetium 99m tetrofosmin seems to be a promising alternative tracer with similar capabilities to 99mTc sestamibi in localization of parathyroid adenoma. SPECT showed clear advantages in terms of sensitivity over planar scintigraphy and should be used at least in cases with poor or no uptake in double-phase study. In endemic goiter areas, ultrasound of the neck should be performed to exclude false positive retention in thyroid adenomas. Technetium 99m tetrofosmin, like 99mTc sestamibi, is not ideal for localization of hyperplastic glands in secondary hyperparathyroidism because of low sensitivity.     

Evaluation of the skull base by SPECT. A comparison with planar scintigraphy and computed tomography

Computed tomography is currently the standard diagnostic tool for the evaluation of the skull base. The complex anatomy of this area is the primary reason why planar bone scintigraphy is often unsatisfactory; exact localization of abnormalities may be very difficult. These limitations may be overcome by SPECT. Seventeen patients with clinical features of basal skull involvement were assessed by CT, SPECT, and planar scintigraphy. Subsequent clinical diagnoses were malignancy in 15 patients, vasculitis in 1 patient, and osteomyelitis in 1 patient. Computed tomography with IV contrast was performed through the skull base at 5 mm intervals. Planar scintigraphy with Tc-99m MDP was followed by SPECT. Bony involvement compatible with the clinical findings was demonstrated by CT scans in 6 patients, by planar scintigraphy in 7 patients, and by SPECT in 9 patients. The abnormalities that were identified by CT were all identified by SPECT. This study suggests that, in imaging the skull base, SPECT is more sensitive and provides better anatomical localization than planar imaging and appears useful in patients with a negative CT study.     

Technetium-99m-MIBI scintimammography for suspicious breast lesions

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of scintimammography with 99mTc-MIBI in patients with suspected primary breast cancer as monitored by SPECT or planar imaging. METHODS: Patients with a suspect lesion detected by palpation or mammography were entered in the study. Excisional biopsy was performed on all patients and a mammography was performed within three weeks prior to scintigraphy. All patients received intravenously 740 MBq 99mTc-MIBI in the arm, contralateral to the suspicious breast, and were subsequently examined in a prone position. At 5-10 min postinjection, planar images were obtained in both the lateral and anterior views with an acquisition time of 10 min. After planar imaging, SPECT imaging was performed using a two-head high-resolution gamma camera. RESULTS: In the total patient group of 54 patients, 40 lesions were palpable and 14 were nonpalpable but were detected by mammography. Breast cancer was confirmed in 24 of the patients and 20 of the palpable masses were found to be carcinomas. The tumor size ranged from 6 to 90 mm in diameter. In scintigraphic studies, the overall sensitivity was 88% for planar imaging and 83% for SPECT. Specificity was 83% and 80%, respectively. Sensitivity for palpable lesions was 100%. The smallest detectable tumor measured was 9 mm in diameter and could only be visualized in the planar scintigram. CONCLUSION: Scintigraphy with 99mTc-MIBI is extremely sensitive for the detection of primary breast cancer in patients with a palpable mass. SPECT, however, did not improve the diagnostic accuracy over planar scintimammography.     

Meckel''s diverticulum: demonstration of heterotopic gastric mucosa with technetium-99m-pertechnetate SPECT

Demonstration of functioning heterotopic gastric mucosa with 99mTc-pertechnetate SPECT is reported. Abnormal tracer uptake was shown conclusively with SPECT but not with planar imaging. When a Meckel's diverticulum is suspected, we suggest SPECT be performed if the results of planar scintigraphy are equivocal and that it be considered if there is a high clinical suspicion and planar imaging is normal.     

Focal hyperemia on RBC blood-flow imaging. A scintigraphic marker of arterioportal venous shunting in hepatic cavernous hemangiomas?

PURPOSE: To investigate the significance of increased perfusion associated with some hepatic hemangiomata during radionuclide blood volume imaging. METHODS: Immediate dynamic planar projections and delayed SPECT imaging of a hepatic lesion were obtained after the administration of Tc-99m-labeled RBC. Scintigraphic data were compared with X-ray CT, contrast angiography and postresection histopathology. RESULTS: A surgically proven, cavernous hemangioma with typical findings on delayed radionuclide blood-pool imaging showed markedly increased perfusion by scintigraphy. This correlated with arterioportal venous shunting (AVPS) on contrast angiography. CONCLUSION: Increased perfusion on radionuclide blood-volume imaging of hepatic hemangiomata may be a scintigraphic marker of AVPS. This may serve to identify patients with increased risk for spontaneous rupture or may identify them for the development of portal hypertension.     

99m-Tc-MIBI SPECT parathyroid gland scintigraphy for the preoperative localization of small parathyroid gland adenomas

AIM: It was the of this study to assess the value of the 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy in SPECT technique in the preoperative lateral location of small parathyroid adenoma (PTA). METHODS: 25 consecutive patients (8 male, 17 female, mean age 63 +/- 13 years) with the established diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism and non-diagnostic ultrasonography were scanned preoperatively. After a thyroid examination to exclude radionuclide accumulating thyroid adenoma, planar and tomographic images were acquired 20 min. and 120 min. after i.v. injection of 740 MBq 99mTc-MIBI using a 3 head gamma camera (Picker Prism 3000). The first 10 patients underwent an additional 201Tl/99mTc subtraction scintigraphy in a 2 days protocol. RESULTS: All patients had small, solitary PTA (< 1 g). 201Tl/99mTc subtraction scintigraphy (n = 10) showed only a sensitivity of 50%. Using planar MIBI-scintigraphy lateral location of PTA was possible in 18 cases (sensitivity: 72%). There was an increase in sensitivity up to 96% using the SPECT technique and the 3D display (volume-rendered reprojection). CONCLUSION: In contrast to 201Tl/99mTc subtraction scintigraphy, which showed only a low sensitivity, a reliable lateral location of small PTA was obtained using the tomographic 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy. This method offers e.g. the possibility for the surgeon to perform an unilateral parathyroidectomy.     

Comparison of inferior myocardial defect between planar and SPECT image of 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine cardiac scintigraphy

Discordant findings of inferior MIBG defect between SPECT and planar images were sometimes observed in the clinical studies. In this study, we compared inferior myocardial findings between planar and SPECT image of 123I-metaiodobenzyl-guanidine (MIBG) cardiac scintigraphy in 29 patients. All patients were estimated as normal in anterior accumulation of MIBG. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the visual finding of inferior defect in the planar and SPECT image; normal group (normal inferior accumulation of MIBG both in the planar and SPECT image, N = 10), discordance group (inferior MIBG defect was only observed in the SPECT image, but was not observed in the planar image, N = 7), inferior defect group (inferior MIBG defect was observed both in the planar and SPECT image, N = 12). Inferior/anterior count ratio of SPECT and planar image were 0.96 +/- 0.11 vs. 0.97 +/- 0.05 in normal group, 0.59 +/- 0.21 vs. 0.99 +/- 0.13 in discordance group, 0.46 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.82 +/- 0.04 in inferior defect group. Liver/heart count ratio was significantly higher in the discordance group (2.07 +/- 0.49) than that in the normal (1.14 +/- 0.15) and inferior defect group (1.45 +/- 0.39). In phantom study, it has been reported that increased liver accumulation of MIBG causes artifactual inferior defect adjacent to the liver. These data indicate that increased liver/heart count ratio may cause artifactual inferior defect on MIBG SPECT image in the clinical studies. Planar image evaluation may be helpful to distinct the artifactual inferior defect on SPECT image.     

123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy for the staging of neuroblastoma

Nineteen children with neuroblastoma (aged 2 w.-7 y.o.) were studied to evaluate the optimal scan conditions for Iodine-123-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy for accurate staging at the time of diagnosis. Six and 24 hours after an injection of 123I-MIBG, whole body image and truncal spot and SPECT images were obtained. Compared with other studies (CT or MRI and bone scintigraphy), each 123I-MIBG image was evaluated visually to investigate which image can demonstrate the extent of neuroblastoma most exactly. MIBG images demonstrated primary tumors in all patients, and metastatic lymphadenopathy in 8 of 9 patients. Twenty-four hour SPECT images gave us the most detailed information about the extent of abnormal accumulation. As to bone and bone marrow lesions, 6 hour images were superior to 24 hour images in detectability. Moreover, MIBG showed many more lesions and more extended accumulation than the bone scan. 123I-MIBG scintigraphy was very useful in detecting neuroblastomas. In order to get the most valuable information, both delayed SPECT and early whole body planar images should be obtained.     

Cushing with transition from pituitary to adrenal origin. Study with SPECT scintigraphy of the adrenal cortex with norcholesterol-I 131 in a case

The case of a 49 yr old alcoholic women with clinical and laboratory findings that suggested a Cushing syndrome is presented. The functional tests showed cortisol suppression greater than 50% of the basal value with 8 mg of dexamethasone and no response in the combined dexamethasone/desmopressin test. Pituitary Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) was negative, Abdominal Computed Axial Tomography suggested hyperplastic adrenal glands; adrenal nodules were not found in the NMR. Pituitary or hipothalamic Cushing with secondary autonomous micronodular adrenal hyperplasia was suspected. Norcholesterol-I131 SPECT scintigraphy under dexamethasone suppression demonstrated a functional adrenal hyperplasia which was hystologically confirmed.     

Scintigraphic visualization of pulmonary thrombi with 123I-YPACK-TNK-tPA

BACKGROUND: We have previously demonstrated that radiolabeled tissue-type plasminogen activation (tPA) in which the plasminogen-activating catalytic site has been inactivated binds avidly to thrombi and can be used for scintigraphic detection of pulmonary thrombi in vivo. The present study was performed to overcome identified limitations of the initially developed approach and to determine whether a tracer made with a molecular variant of tPA, TNK-tPA, would provide superior images of pulmonary thrombi and hence facilitate differential diagnosis of pulmonary embolism from acute myocardial infarction. It was thought that TNK-tPA may be superior in view of its longer biological half-life and less avid uptake by macrophages that would otherwise contribute to high background because of non-clot-selective uptake of the tracer. METHODS: 123I-tyrosylprolylarginyl chloromethyl ketone (123I-YPACK-TNK-tPA) was infused into the systemic circulation of dogs with either pulmonary or right ventricular thrombi induced with thrombogenic tips of modified guide wires. Planar and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scintigraphic data were obtained, and blood and tissue samples were acquired for analysis of the distribution of the radiotracer over time. RESULTS: Tracer cleared from blood with an alpha phase half-life of 10 +/- 1 min, paralleling the clearance of unlabeled TNK-tPA. Only minimal release of labeled fragments from liver into blood occurred during the entire time course of the imaging studies. Pulmonary thrombi were visualized with SPECT within 30-120 min in all dogs. Images were superior to those obtained after infusion of labeled wild-type tPA, primarily because of diminished background radioactivity and consequently increased scintigraphic contrast. In one dog which had a right ventricular thrombus, the thrombus was readily detectable in both planar and SPECT images. CONCLUSIONS: Radiolabeled TNK-tPA in which plasminogen-activating activity has been inhibited biochemically is an excellent radiopharmaceutical for prompt scintigraphic detection of pulmonary and ventricular thrombi in vivo, and an attractive candidate for rapid, sensitive and non-invasive diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolic disease in patients.     

Accumulation of Tc-99m MIBI in breast lymphoma: comparison with Ga-67 citrate

We report 2 cases of malignant lymphoma of the breast which were clearly shown on total body imaging as well as on SPECT with Ga-67 and Tc-99m MIBI. Tumor accumulation of Ga-67 was seen in all cases including a recurrent tumor. Ga-67 scintigraphy is useful for follow up in detecting relapse, as well as in predicting responses to therapy. Tc-99m MIBI was found to accumulate in the malignant lymphoma of the breast, and especially SPECT images of breast lesions provided better contrast than planar images, and Tc-99m MIBI SPECT could diagnose localization of the tumor because there was no uptake by the breast. But the Tc-99m MIBI accumulation of the tumor was lower than Ga-67.     

Are the results of thallium scintigraphy and coronary angiography equivalent? An evaluation of thallium scintigraphies performed at Vestfold Central Hospital

The value of exercise-redistribution thallium-201 perfusion scintigraphy (SPECT; single photon emission computed tomography) in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease was evaluated in 23 patients (one patient tested twice) who were subsequently submitted to coronary angiography. Reversible perfusion defects indicating myocardial ischemia were found in 22 patients, of whom 18 had angiographically significant coronary artery stenoses. Two patients had negative thallium scans, one had a normal angiogram and one had single vessel disease. Thus 18 of 19 patients with angiographically verified coronary heart disease had a positive thallium scan. The majority of patients with left main stenosis and triple vessel disease had scintigraphic evidence of double or triple vessel disease. The scintigraphic method identified the correct anatomical localization in 73% of the angiographically verified coronary artery stenoses. In conclusion, a positive exercise-redistribution thallium scan had a high predictive value in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease, whereas its value in estimating the number and localization of stenoses was more limited.     

Cardiac stress testing with thallium-201 imaging reveals silent ischemia in individuals with paraplegia

The purpose of this study was to determine through noninvasive arm ergometry and radionuclide tomographic imaging the presence of latent coronary heart disease (CHD) in subjects with paraplegia. Assessment of CHD in spinal cord injury, using these methods, has not been addressed previously. Twenty asymptomatic subjects with paraplegia performed arm ergometry exercise stress testing with thallium-201 single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) or planar myocardial imaging studies. All subjects had normal resting electrocardiograms (ECG). Only five subjects had ECG evidence of ischemia on exercise testing, whereas 13 subjects, including the five subjects with ECG positive stress tests, had scintigraphic evidence of ischemia. Thus, eight subjects would have been undiagnosed for CHD without thallium-201 SPECT imaging. These individuals had multiple risk factors for CHD and, except for age, were without a statistically significant difference between the groups with positive or negative thallium stress imaging studies. Arm ergometry stress thallium imaging shows a high prevalence of ischemia in subjects with paraplegia.     

Beta-blockers: a time for reappraisal

Recent studies have shown that SPECT bone scintigraphy is valuable to detect meniscal tears of the knee. This has not been formally assessed in a prospective study, and no substantive study has compared bone SPECT with other noninvasive diagnostic methods. One hundred consecutive patients referred to an orthopedic surgeon with undiagnosed knee pain were assessed by clinical examination, MRI, SPECT bone scintigraphy, and arthroscopy. The MRI and SPECT bone scan findings were reported blinded to other information. Using arthroscopy as a gold standard, both MRI and SPECT showed high diagnostic ability to detect meniscal tears, with respective sensitivity rate, specificity rates, and positive and negative predictive accuracies of 80%, 71%, 84%, and 71% for MRI and 84%, 80%, 88%, and 76% for SPECT. Some meniscal tears were detected by MRI alone (n = 5) or SPECT alone (n = 8). SPECT bone scintigraphy is a suitable alternative to MRI to detect meniscal tears. The comparable diagnostic ability of SPECT bone scintigraphy implies that it can be used successfully when MRI is unavailable or unsuitable.     

Lead''s toxic legacy for human reproduction: new studies establish significant bone lead release during pregnancy and nursing

We retrospectively evaluated the frequency of renal scintigraphic abnormalities in children over 5 years admitted with a first symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI). Among 261 children investigated, we found only 23 over 5 years having had technetium-99m-dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy during the acute phase of a first UTI. Obvious scintigraphic abnormalities were detected in 14 children (15 kidneys): 12 kidneys showed focal cortical defects and 3 were small and deformed. Ultrasound was normal in 7 of the 15 kidneys with abnormal scintigraphy and in all the kidneys with normal scintigraphy. Among the 12 kidneys with focal cortical lesions, 8 kidneys returned to normal or improved considerably 2-12 months after initial work-up. In conclusion, in children over 5 years admitted with a first symptomatic UTI, the frequency of scintigraphic abnormalities is high and a strategy based only on ultrasound data would miss about 50% of the abnormal kidneys.     

Role of high-resolution pinhole tomography in the evaluation of thyroid abnormalities

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the contribution of pinhole-single photon emission computed tomography (P-SPECT) to scintigraphy of the thyroid gland. Thirty-six patients, referred for thyroid scintigraphy because of palpatory or ultrasonographic findings, were studied after intravenous administration of technetium-99m pertechnetate (222 MBq) using a rectilinear scanner and a single-headed rotating gamma camera equipped with a pinhole collimator. P-SPECT study was acquired on a 128 x 128 matrix, in 30 projections over 180 degrees and an acquisition time of 40 seconds per step. After transaxial reconstruction, coronal slices were compared with planar views obtained by the scanner. The size of the thyroid gland obtained by P-SPECT matched the life-size image of a rectilinear scan, and it clearly delineated the shape and borders of two huge multinodular glands. Its major contribution was in its improved resolution. Pinhole-SPECT identified 21 foci not visualized on planar views, 19 cold lesions, and 2 "warm" nodules embedded in normal tissue of 13 patients. Furthermore, it clearly delineated 18 discrete ill-defined nodules of 13 patients, (single in 4 patients and multiple in 9 patients): 16 cold lesions, and 2 hot foci. When a distinct palpable nodule was present, whether cold (22 lesions) or hot (2 foci), SPECT was of no additional diagnostic value. However, when the palpable nodule was a toxic one, the contralateral suppressed lobe was visible on SPECT only. Two ultrasonographic findings, of 3- and 5-mm in diameter, were neither identified on planar views nor on P-SPECT. In conclusion, P-SPECT of the thyroid gland improves delineation of huge multinodular glands and detection of small nodules (within the resolution of the camera) that could otherwise have been overlooked on planar views of a thyroid scanner. It allows for definition of tracer uptake in tiny discrete nodules and in multinodular goiter, and is a better guide to the physician in fine-needle aspiration of the cold areas.     

Utility of scintigraphic methods in patients with fever of unknown origin

BACKGROUND: We assessed the utility of scintigraphy with indium 111-labeled polyclonal human IgG scintigraphy in patients with fever of unknown origin that fulfilled the criteria of temperature of 38.3 degrees C or more for at least 3 weeks and no diagnosis during 1 week of hospital admission. We compared the utility of this technique with results of scintigraphic techniques reported in the literature. METHODS: Data for all patients seen at our university hospital in whom 111In-IgG scanning was performed were analyzed and checked for the criteria for fever of unknown origin. The literature on the utility of scintigraphic techniques in patients with fever of unknown origin was reviewed. RESULTS: We studied 24 patients with fever of unknown origin. In 13 patients, focal 111In-IgG accumulation was observed. In nine (38%) of those, the positive 111In-IgG scintigram led to the final diagnosis; in the other four patients (17%), the scintigraphic findings were not helpful. In the 11 patients with negative 111In-IgG scans, extensive diagnostic workup produced no infection as the final diagnosis in nine patients (38%), one had an abscess in a renal cyst that was detected several months later, and in the other the cause of fever was an infected intravenous line. The overall sensitivity and specificity of 111In-IgG scintigraphy were 81% and 69%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 69% and the negative predictive value was 82%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that 111In-IgG scintigraphy significantly contributed to the diagnostic process in patients with fever of unknown origin. A positive scan increased the likelihood of finding the cause of the fever, and a negative scan ruled out an inflammatory component with a high degree of certainty. These data compare favorably with data in the literature concerning other radiopharmaceuticals; a larger prospective evaluation of this technique is indicated.     

Seven new cases of Cayler cardiofacial syndrome with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion, including a familial case

Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis (PLC) is an unusual presentation of diffuse infiltrative lung disease. In this report we present two cases secondary to breast cancer; the diagnosis was made by means of transbronchial lung biopsy or postmortem examination. The goal of this study was to analyze the scintigraphic pattern of pulmonary perfusion performed with technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) in the hope of achieving improved recognition of PLC and its subsequent diagnosis. Upon admission, both patients underwent routine clinical exams followed by chest X-rays. The second patient also underwent CT examination, and both were ultimately examined using pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy with 99mTc-MAA. In the various exams performed, the most reliable and easily identified diagnostic finding turned out to be a characteristic 'fragmented' lung pattern revealed with the perfusion lung scan. Unfortunately, in both cases the patients' conditions rapidly worsened and death occurred shortly following scintigraphy. We were able to conclude that the recognition of the mentioned fragmented scintigraphic lung pattern may be useful in suspected PLC, whereas the nonspecific clinical presentation of this pathology makes diagnosis extremely difficult, with the most significant results being achieved through a comparison of scintigraphic and high resolution CT data.     

Preliminary results on the use of scintigraphy with radiolabelled octreotide as diagnostic method in neuroendocrine and nonendocrine neoplasms of the lung

Personal experience on the use of 111In-DTPA-octreotide scintigraphy (Octreoscan) in the staging of neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine tumors of the lung is reported. From July 1995 to May 1996 26 scintigraphic studies were performed in patients affected by lung cancer at the Department of Thoracic Surgery and at the Service of Nuclear Medicine of the University of Turin. The scintigraphy allowed to detect the lesion in all the neuroendocrine tumors and in 63.2% of the non neuroendocrine ones. Their preliminary results are discussed and stress is laid on the importance of this scintigraphic procedure in the staging and the follow-up of neoplastic patients.