Scintigraphic portrayal of the syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia type-2B

Clin Nucl Med. 1988 Jun;13(6):433-7. doi: 10.1097/00003072-198806000-00011.

Abstract

The scintigraphic appearance of the neoplasms in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN-2B) and the interpretations of the image patterns are described. An 18-year-old male patient with the MEN-2B syndrome underwent TI-201 imaging that showed concentrations of TI-201 in the primary medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) tumor and in cervical lymph node metastases. After total thyroidectomy and lymph node dissection, the TI-201 image was normal. Catecholamine levels in the blood and urine were only borderline elevated. Yet, greater than normal concentrations of I-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine (I-131 MIBG) were present in both adrenal glands. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed normal adrenal glands. These results were consistent with the diagnosis of adrenal medullary hyperplasia, a precursor of pheochromocytoma. No operation was indicated to remove the adrenal glands. Imaging with TI-201 appears to be useful in identifying sites of MTC in patients with the MEN-2B syndrome. I-131 MIBG imaging, in conjunction with computed tomography of the adrenal glands and appropriate catecholamine measurements, should be performed in patients with the MEN-2B syndrome to determine the status of the adrenal medullae, which then may be classified as normal, hyperplastic, or tumorous with pheochromocytoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine
  • Adolescent
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Iodobenzenes
  • Male
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia / diagnostic imaging*
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Syndrome
  • Thallium Radioisotopes

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Iodobenzenes
  • Thallium Radioisotopes
  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine