[Detection of melanoma metastases with Tc-99m-tetrofosmin].

Abstract

AIM:

The aim of this study was to evaluate Tc-99m-tetrofosmin whole-body imaging in the detection of metastases in patients with malignant melanoma.

METHODS:

In 30 patients with suspected melanoma metastases we performed whole body imaging. After administration of about 600 MBq Tc-99m-tetrofosmin dynamic images up to 10 min were performed in 7 patients (1 image per 10 sec) to evaluate the optimal tracer uptake in the metastases. In all patients whole-body images were performed 5-10 min p.i. using an acquisition time of 5 min per image. The final diagnosis was confirmed by surgical histology in 30 lesions, by computertomography and clinical course in the remaining lesions.

RESULTS:

Out of 64 melanoma metastases 49 were detected using Tc-99m-tetrofosmin scintigraphy (49 rp., 15 fn.). The overall sensitivity for the detection of malignant lesions was 77%. Referring only to the lymph node metastases, the sensitivity was 87% (26 rp.; 4 fn.). The maximal tracer uptake was reached 1 min after injection, with a slow decrease in the following 10 minutes. The size of the lesions ranged between 0.5 and 7.0 cm and the T/B ratios between 1.3 and 3.0 (mean 1.88).

CONCLUSIONS:

Tc-99m-tetrofosmin whole body imaging is a simple and side-effectless method for the detection of melanoma metastases especially of lymph node metastases. The results are comparable to Tc-99m-sestamibi and Tl-201 scintigraphy.

• Authors: L Rettenbacher, J Koller, H Kässmann, G Galvan
• Journal: Nuklearmedizin. Nuclear medicine (Nuklearmedizin) Vol. 39 Issue 4 Pg. 97-101 ( 2000) ISSN: 0029-5566 [Print] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Nachweis von Melanommetastasen mit Tc-99m-Tetrofosmin.
• PMID: 10919159 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Organophosphorus Compounds
• Organotechnetium Compounds
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• technetium tc-99m tetrofosmin

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Brain Neoplasms (diagnostic imaging, secondary)
• Female
• Humans
• Lymphatic Metastasis (diagnostic imaging)
• Male
• Melanoma (diagnostic imaging, pathology, surgery)
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Metastasis (diagnostic imaging)
• Organophosphorus Compounds
• Organotechnetium Compounds
• Radionuclide Imaging
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• Sensitivity and Specificity