Authors: K Tharp O Israel J Hausmann L Bettman W H Martin M Daitzchman M P Sandler D Delbeke
Publish Date: 2004/06/19
Volume: 31, Issue: 10, Pages: 1435-1442
Abstract
SPECT/CT imaging had an incremental diagnostic value in 57 41/71 of patients Uptake in the neck was evaluated in 61 patients and SPECT/CT imaging in this region had an incremental diagnostic value in 27 of the whole patient population 19/71 Lowresolution integrated CT images allowed for the precise characterization of equivocal neck lesions on planar imaging in 14/17 patients and changed the assessment of the lesion location in five patients as compared with planar studies Thirtysix patients underwent SPECT/CT for evaluation of foci of uptake distant from the neck SPECT/CT imaging improved characterization of equivocal foci of uptake as definitely benign in 13 9/71 of patients Precise localization of malignant lesions to the skeleton was possible in 17 12/71 and to the lungs versus the mediastinum in 6 5/71 of patientsIntegrated 131ISPECT/CT was found to have an additional value over planar imaging in patients with thyroid cancer for correct characterization of equivocal tracer uptake seen on planar imaging as well as for precise localization of malignant lesions in the neck chest and skeleton SPECT/CT optimized the localization of 131I uptake to lymph node metastases versus remnant thyroid tissue to lung versus mediastinal metastases and to the skeleton It also had a further clinical impact on patient management by influencing referral for 131I treatment tailoring of the administered radioiodine dose and/or the addition of surgery or external radiation therapy when indicated
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