INDIUM IN-111 PENTETREOTIDE SCINTIGRAPHY - APPLICATION TO CAROTID-BODY TUMORS

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate and illustrate the us e of Indium In-111 pentetreotide scintigraphy as it applies to carotid body tumors (CBT). Localization has relied primarily on ultrasonograp hy, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging with angiograp hic confirmation. These methods only assess the cervical bifurcation w ithout providing an evaluation of metastasis in patients without sympt oms or recurrence in patients after surgery. Methods: Indium In-111 pe ntetreotide scintigraphy was used in five patients with a diagnosis of CBT. Pour patients were evaluated after surgical excision for evidenc e of tumor recurrence. One patient was evaluated before excision for d iagnostic confirmation. Results: No evidence of tumor recurrence was d emonstrated in the four patients who had undergone previous CBT excisi on. One of these patients had increased activity in the pituitary, lat er confirmed as an enlarged pituitary without evidence of an adenoma w ith computed tomography. The diagnosis of CBT was confirmed in the pat ient evaluated before surgery. This patient also had increased activit y in the occipital region, confirmed as the site of previous ischemia on computed tomography. Conclusion: Indium In-111 pentetreotide scinti graphy is a new innovative method for viewing neuroendocrine tumors. I ts potential lies not only in tumor localization but also in identific ation of recurrent tumor at the operative site and metastatic disease.