123I-MIBG, 18F-DOPA and 18F-FDG in a patient with MEN2 syndrome and recurrent pheochromocytoma

Rev Esp Med Nucl Imagen Mol. 2013 Jul-Aug;32(4):263-5. doi: 10.1016/j.remn.2012.11.006. Epub 2013 Feb 21.

Abstract

Pheochromocytoma is a rare tumor located in the medulla of the adrenal gland that is characterized by high catecholamine synthesis. Surgery is the treatment of choice and is usually curative if appropriately diagnosed and excised. Imaging methods, both morphological and functional, are of great importance in presurgical evaluation. We report the case of a female patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, with bilateral adrenalectomy due to two pheochromocytomas and progressive elevation of urinary metanephrine. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a nodular image in the right adrenal fossa. The patient was referred to our unit in order to confirm suspicion of recurrence. Due to the absence of pathological findings in the (123)I-MIBG scintigraphy and high suspicion of recurrence, PET/CT imaging with (18)F-DOPA and (18)F-FDG were performed, and the diagnosis was confirmed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adult
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a / complications
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • fluorodopa F 18
  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine