TC-99(M)-TETROFOSMIN SCINTIGRAPHY IN THE EVALUATION OF PALPABLE BREAST MASSES

Tl-201 and Tc-99(m)-MIBI have been used io evaluate palpable breast ma sses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of Tc-99(m)- tetrofosmin as a new tumour localizing agent in patients with palpable breast masses. Nineteen palpable breast masses were evaluated in 18 p atients. Each patient received 740 MBq Tc-99(m)-tetrofosmin intravenou sly. Ten minutes after the injection, planar breast images in the ante rior, right lateral and left lateral views were obtained with the pati ent in the supine position. Mammography and ultrasonography were perfo rmed in all patients. Biopsy or mastectomy with axillary dissection wa s performed in all patients. Thirteen of 14 primary breast tumours wer e detected (9 invasive ductal carcinomas, 3 invasive lobular carcinoma s, 1 papillary carcinoma). One patient with mucinous carcinoma did not demonstrate Tc-99(m)-tetrofosmin accumulation. Four of five patients with histopathologically proven benign lesions did not demonstrate Tc- 99(m)-tetrofosmin accumulation (2 fibrocystic diseases, 2 fibroadenoma s). Tc-99(m)-tetrofosmin accumulation was seen in a patient with chron ic mastitis. The sensitivity and specificity of Tc-99(m)-tetrofosmin f or malignant breast lesions was 92 and 80% respectively. Four of seven (57%) axillary lymph node metastases showed Tc-99(m)-tetrofosmin upta ke. In conclusion, Tc-99(m)-tetrofosmin shows real promise for use in evaluating patients with palpable breast masses.