INCIDENTAL APPENDIX CARCINOID - VALUE OF SOMATOSTATIN RECEPTOR IMAGING

Purpose: Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy is used to diagnose carcin oid of the gastrointestinal tract. Its sensitivity ranges from approxi mately 75%-100%. Therefore, it was hypothesized that it can be used in the postsurgical follow-up to detect residual carcinoid, recurrence, and metastatic disease. Results: This article is concerned with the fi ndings of somatostatin receptor imaging performed on a 12-year-old gir l 8 weeks after appendectomy. Histologic examination showed an inciden tal appendix carcinoid. Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy performed f or detection of lymph node metastatic spread of the carcinoid showed f ocal tracer accumulation at the former operative site; subsequently, a right hemicolectomy was performed. However, histologic examination of the surgical tissue showed no evidence for carcinoid. Conclusion: It is concluded that there are some potential pitfalls for somatostatin r eceptor imaging at least soon after surgery. Therefore, it should not be used to aid in reoperation.