SOMATOSTATIN RECEPTOR IMAGING OF OLFACTORY NEUROBLASTOMA

Neural-crest tumours, including neuroblastomas, express somatostatin r eceptors. This can be shown by radionuclide labelling of octreotide, a somatostatin analogue. Studies on imaging with this substance have de alt with childhood neuroblastomas. Olfactory neuroblastoma (aesthesion euroblastoma) is a rare tumour in which somatostatin receptor content has not been analysed, nor have radionuclide methods for diagnostic pu rposes been described. We report a case of olfactory neuroblastoma, in which scanning with In-111-labelled octreotide was performed. A stron g uptake was seen at the base of the skull. This was confirmed as a re current tumour by magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Uptake was also obs erved in the neck and chest, indicating extensive spread of the diseas e. Somatostatin receptor expression has been shown to correlate with p rognosis in childhood neuroblastoma. The accuracy of labelled octreoti de in the diagnosis of olfactory neuroblastoma indicates that it might be useful in radionuclide therapy of patients with advanced disease, when no other treatment modalities are available.