DIAGNOSTIC-IMAGING IN ABDOMINAL NEUROBLASTOMA - IS THERE A COMPLEMENTARY ROLE OF MIBG-SCINTIGRAPHY AND ULTRASONOGRAPHY

In a retrospective study we evaluated the agreement between the result s of meta-iodo benzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy and abdominal ultra sonography (US) in the diagnosis and follow up of neuroblastoma (NBL) with respect to the abdominal region. Data of 28 consecutive paediatri c patients with NBL or suspected NBL were included (16 M/12 F, mean ag e 2.9 years, range 3 weeks - 13.4 years). The results (as judged by th e nuclear physician or radiologist respectively) of 60 MIBG examinatio ns (I-123 and I-131, including 26 single photon emission computed tomo graphy (SPECT)) and US, respectively. performed within a period of 14 days, could be evaluated. Full agreement was reached in 37 comparisons (62%), while partial and no agreement was found in 17 (28%), and 6 (1 0%) comparisons, respectively. In 8 out of 37 comparisons with full ag reement, 12 diagnosed lesions were histopathologically proven, while 1 1 comparisons with negative findings were also negative in other clini cal modalities. US diagnosed correctly in 68% of the histopathological proven lesions? while this was 54% for MIBG scintigraphy. In approxim ately 50% of the MIBG scans in which SPECT was available, SPECT provid ed significant additional information. Conclusion Congruent results of MIBG scintigraphy and ultrasonography in the detection of abdominal l esions in patients with suspected neuroblastoma indicate a high reliab ility in the diagnosis and localisation. Due to the favourable results of additional SPECT, it is advisable to perform SPECT routinely in th is diagnosis.