FOLLOW-UP OF NEUROBLASTOMA STAGE-IV BY I- 123 MIBG-SCINTIGRAPHY, BONE-SCINTIGRAPHY AND CATECHOLAMINE METABOLITES

Aim: The diagnostic value of I-123-mIBG-scintigraphy, bone scintigraph y and catecholamine metabolites in the follow up of neuroblastoma stag e IV will be evaluated. Methods: Nineteen children suffering from neur oblastoma were analysed retrospectively by I-123-mIBG-scintigraphy, bo ne scintigraphy and measurement of homovanillic acid, vanillic acid, n euronspecific enolase, lactate dehydrogenase, and ferritine. Follow up was 7-132 (median 36) months. Results and Conclusion: The significanc e of the methods was dependent on the time of diagnostic use. In princ ipal, I-123-mIBG-scintigraphy has the highest diagnostic impact. For i nitial staging and diagnosis of recurrence a combination of all three methods can be used. On the contrary, follow up during chemotherapy is best documented by I-123-mIBG-scintigraphy. whereas bone scintigraphy is of limited and measurement of catecholamine metabolites of less di agnostic value.