Unexpected detection of nodular melanoma of the skin on the scalp by I-123 IBZM brain SPECT

Clin Nucl Med. 2011 Feb;36(2):148-9. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0b013e318203be54.

Abstract

Melanocytes and dopaminergic neurons share the same ectodermal origin and can both produce melanin. Indeed, in vivo studies have shown that the radiopharmaceutical iodine-123-iodobenzamide (I-123 IBZM), which binds in vivo to dopamine D(2/3) receptors, is also able to detect melanoma, and particularly melanotic melanoma. We report a case of intense IBZM uptake in nodular melanoma of the skin on the scalp. The presence of unexpected focal IBZM uptake of the skin justified histologic examination, which revealed nodular melanoma. Melanoma should be considered when one is confronted with atypical focal uptake of benzamide derivatives like IBZM, in or outside the brain.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Benzamides
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings*
  • Melanoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Melanoma / physiopathology
  • Pyrrolidines
  • Scalp*
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Benzamides
  • Pyrrolidines
  • 3-iodo-2-hydroxy-6-methoxy-N-((1-ethyl-2-pyrrolidinyl)methyl)benzamide