The new technology of combined transmission and emission tomography in evaluation of endocrine neoplasms

E. Even-Sapir, Z. Keidar, J. Sachs, A. Engel, L. Bettman, D. Gaitini, L. Guralnik, N. Werbin, G. Iosilevsky, O. Israel*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

112 Scopus citations

Abstract

The clinical value of a novel technology of combined transmission and emission tomography (TET) was assessed in patients with endocrine tumors. Methods: TET technology, which combines simultaneous acquisition of SPECT and CT images, using the same imaging device, allows correct fusion of images of both modalities, TET was performed on 27 patients with known or suspected endocrine tumors. The radiopharmaceuticals used for the emission part of the study were chosen according to the tumor type: 111ln-octreotide for patients with neuroendocrine tumors (n = 10), 99mTc-sestamibi for patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (n = 8), 131l for patients with thyroid cancer (n = 4), and 123l-metaiodobenzylguanidine and 75Se-cholesterol for patients with adrenal masses (n = 3 and n = 2, respectively). The additional information provided by TET compared with scintigraphy was assessed for both image interpretation and clinical utility. Results: TET did not provide any additional data in 16 patients (59%), including 5 patients with normal scintigraphy. In 11 patients (41%) with abnormal SPECT findings, TET improved image interpretation by providing a better anatomic localization of SPECT-detected lesions. It showed unsuspected bone involvement in 4 patients, it identified the organs involved and the relationship of the lesions to neighboring structures in 5 patients, and it differentiated physiologic uptake from tumor uptake in 2 patients. TET provided additional information of clinical value in 9 patients (33%). It assisted in better planning of surgery in 2 patients with neuroendocrine tumors and in 2 patients with ectopic parathyroid adenomas. It changed the treatment approach in 2 patients with neuroendocrine tumors and 1 patient with thyroid carcinoma, and it altered prognosis in 2 patients with thyroid malignancy. Conclusion: TET enhances the already unique role of nuclear medicine procedures in the assessment and management of patients with endocrine neoplasms.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)998-1004
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine
Volume42
Issue number7
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Combined imaging
  • Endocrine neoplasms
  • Fusion

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The new technology of combined transmission and emission tomography in evaluation of endocrine neoplasms'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this