ROLE OF TC-99M PERTECHNETATE SCINTIGRAPHY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF EXTRA-ABDOMINAL FIBROMATOSIS

The purpose of this study was to investigate technetium-99m pertechnet ate (Tc-99m) as a tumor-scanning agent in patients with extra-abdomina l fibromatosis, and to establish the sensitivity of this type of scint igraphy. Eleven patients with extra-abdominal fibromatosis were studie d: all but one having postsurgical recurrences. Of the 11 patients, di agnosed histologically, 5 underwent repeated Tc-99m scintigraphic foll ow-up examinations. The injected 370 MBq Tc-99m gave us an early scint igram within 10 min and a delayed one 2 h later. For adequate comparis on, the region of interest (ROI) of the scintigram was placed over the tumor. The tumor-to-background (T/BG) count ratio was computed. Extra -abdominal fibromatoses, even recurrences, were demonstrated scintigra phically in both the early and the delayed phase, in all 11 patients. The average T/BG ratio was 2.11 in the early scintigram and 2.15 in th e delayed one. The sensitivity and the specificity were both 100%. Tc- 99m scintigraphy has proved useful in detecting extra-abdominal fibrom atoses and in the follow-up of patients.