A case of ganglioneuroma in which 131I-6beta-iodomethyl-19-norcholest-5(10)-en-3beta-ol scintigraphy showed high uptake in the adrenal gland leading to a misdiagnosis

Ann Nucl Med. 2006 Jan;20(1):69-73. doi: 10.1007/BF02985594.

Abstract

We experienced a case in which 131I-6beta-iodomethyl-19-norcholest-5(10)-en-3beta-ol (131I-adosterol) scintigraphy showed high uptake in the right adrenal gland. We diagnosed functional cortical adenoma because of the finding of 131I-adosterol scintigraphy. However, no positive findings for the existence of cortical adenoma were obtained in other examinations and we performed right adrenalectomy. Unexpectedly, pathological finding showed the right adrenal gland was occupied with a large ganglioneuroma. This is an instructive case in which 131I-adosterol scintigraphy showed abnormal high uptake in the adrenal gland, in spite of the fact that the adrenal gland was occupied by a tumor derived from adrenal medulla.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 19-Iodocholesterol / analogs & derivatives*
  • 19-Iodocholesterol / pharmacokinetics
  • Adenoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adenoma / metabolism
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Diagnostic Errors / prevention & control*
  • Ganglioneuroma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ganglioneuroma / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • 19-Iodocholesterol
  • 6-iodomethylcholesterol