Best sensitivity of 18F-FDOPA PET/CT to detect metastasis in one case of neuroendocrine tumour of the ileum

Rev Esp Med Nucl Imagen Mol. 2016 Nov-Dec;35(6):402-405. doi: 10.1016/j.remn.2016.04.007. Epub 2016 May 27.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumours (NET) are heterogeneous and frequently spread over the body, making their imaging difficult. With this aim, nuclear medicine imaging, using PET or SPECT with different tracers, has been proposed for decades, but there is currently no consensus on the most appropriate technique, even when only considering gastrointestinal NET. The case is presented of a 67year old woman with a well differentiated NET of the ileum with suspected recurrence, which was not detected by any imaging technique except 18F-FDOPA PET/CT. Subsequent follow up showed disease progression, which confirmed the true positivity of 18F-FDOPA. Using this case, we discuss and compare different radiotracers for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal NET, focusing on those embryologically originating from the mid-gut.

Keywords: (18)F-FDOPA; (68)Ga-DOTATOC; Neuroendocrine Tumours; PET/CT; PET/TC; Tumores Neuroendocrinos.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Female
  • Fluorine Radioisotopes*
  • Humans
  • Ileal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / secondary*
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Fluorine Radioisotopes
  • fluorodopa F 18
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine