False-positive 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan in a patient with angiomyolipoma; positive MIBG scan does not necessarily indicate the presence of pheochromocytoma

Intern Med. 2007;46(20):1717-21. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.0232. Epub 2007 Oct 15.

Abstract

123I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG)-accumulation in angiomyolipoma (AML) is demonstrated. A 24-year-old Japanese woman presented with tumors in the right retroperitoneal space. The tumors, which accumulated 123I-MIBG, had been thought to be adrenal pheochromocytoma before surgery. They were removed, and were found to be AML. 123I-MIBG was accumulated in AML. 123I-MIBG-accumulation in AML led to a false-positive diagnosis of adrenal pheochromocytoma. Catecholamine levels had been normal. No chromaffin cells were found in the histological examination of the tumors. MIBG accumulation does not necessarily indicate the presence of pheochromocytoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adult
  • Angiomyolipoma / diagnosis
  • Angiomyolipoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine