RENAL ONCOCYTOMA - PREOPERATIVE DIAGNOSIS USING TECHNETIUM 99M SESTAMIBI IMAGING

Objectives. To determine if Tc-99m-sestamibi (technetium 99m-methoxyis obutylisonitrile) can be used preoperatively to differentiate renal on cocytomas from other renal masses. Methods. We performed Tc-99m-sestam ibi scans on 6 patients with various renal masses, using a standard te chnique. The diagnosis in each patient was determined either by radiol ogic or pathologic methods. Results. There was significantly increased uptake in the patient with the renal oncocytoma, whereas the other le sions had decreased uptake in comparison to normal kidney. This was de termined visually and by mean pixel analysis. Conclusions. Technetium 99m sestamibi scanning appears to have a potential role in the nonoper ative diagnosis of renal oncocytomas, in combination with pathologic f ine-needle biopsy confirmation. More definitive pathologic experience is required before recommending standard use.