Resultados a corto plazo del tratamiento con 131I en el bocio multinodular: valor adicional de la estimulación previa con rhTSH / Short-term results of treatment with 131I in multinodular goiter: additional value of previus stimulation with Recombinant human thyrotropin

OBJETIVO: El yodo radiactivo (131I) es una opción terapeútica segura y eficaz cuando se utiliza solo o con la estimulación previa de TSH recombinante humana (rhTSH) en el tratamiento del bocio multinodular (BMN). En espera de ensayos clínicos que determinen la dosis óptima, demuestren seguridad y confirmen la eficacia, diferentes protocolos se utilizan para aplicar la dosis de 131I. Analizamos la respuesta al tratamiento con una dosis calculada por protocolo mixto (dosis fijas y cálculo por porcentaje de captación) en pacientes con BMN toxico y no toxico en nuestro hospital, en el periodo 2010-2013. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo en pacientes con BMN no quirúrgico (BMNNQ) que requerían reducción del volumen glandular y/o tratamiento del hipertiroidismo. Se evaluaron 134 pacientes, 14 cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión (13mujeres) de edad media 71.08 años. Un grupo con BMN toxico, otro grupo con BMN no toxico, un tercer grupo con BMN no toxico estimulado con 0,1 mg de rhTSH previo a la dosis. Se evaluó, función tiroidea, captación tiroidea de 99ᵐTc, volumen tiroideo y síntomas compresivos. Se siguió a los pacientes durante 12 meses. RESULTADOS: Se aplicaron dosis entre 15 y 30 mCi de 131I. Remitió el hipertiroidismo en 6 de 7 pacientes. Hubo una reducción del volumen glandular (p<0.01).Los pacientes con estímulo de 0,1 mg rhTSH, aumentaron el porcentaje de captación de 99ᵐTc a las 24 h en un 32.43±10.61 permitiendo aplicar menor dosis de 131I. La tasa de aparición de hipotiroidismo fue de 7.41 por cada 100 pacientes.mes, mayor en pacientes con BMN toxico tratados con dosis bajas (p-=0.03). Hubo una mejoría subjetiva de la clínica compresiva en todos los pacientes. No hubo eventos adversos. CONCLUSIONES: Una dosis de 131I calculada por protocolo mixto es efectiva y segura para la reducción del volumen glandular y control del hipertiroidismo asociado. La estimulación con rhTSH logra el mismo efecto con una menor dosis administrada.

OBJECTIVE: Radioactive iodine (131I) is a safe and effective therapeutic option when used alone or with prior stimulation of recombinant human Thyrotropin (rhTSH) in the treatment of multinodular goiter (MNG). In absence of clinical trials that determine the optimal dose, demonstrate safety and confirm efficacy, different protocols are used to apply the dose of 131I. We analyze the response to treatment with a dose calculated by mixed protocol (fixed doses and calculation by percentage of uptake) in patients with toxic and non-toxic MNG in our hospital, in the period 2010-2013. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study in patients with non-surgical MNG that required glandular volume reduction and / or treatment of hyperthyroidism. 134 patients were evaluated, 14 met the inclusion criteria (13 women) of average age 71.08 years. One group with toxic MNG, another group with non-toxic MNG and a third with non-toxic multinodular goiter stimulated with 0.1 mg of rhTSH prior to the dose. Patients were followed for 12 months. Upon following, we assessed Thyroid function, 99ᵐTc thyroid uptake, thyroid volume and compressive symptoms. RESULTS: Doses between 15 and 30 mCi of 131I were applied. We observed hyperthyroidism remission in 6 of 7 patients. There was a reduction in glandular volume (p <0.01) considering all patients. Patients with a stimulus of 0.1 mg rhTSH, increased the percentage of uptake of 99ᵐTc at 24 h by 32.43 ± 10.61, allowing a lower dose of 131I to be applied. The rate of onset of hypothyroidism was 7.41 per 100 patients-month, and was higher in patients with toxic MNG treated with low doses (p = 0.03). There was a subjective improvement of the compression clinic in all patients. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A dose of 131I calculated by a mixed protocol is effective and safe for achieving glandular volume reduction and associated hyperthyroidism control. Stimulation with rhTSH produces the same effect with a lower administered dose.

Comparison between peak systolic velocity of the inferior thyroid artery and technetium-99m pertechnetate thyroid uptake in differentiating Graves' disease from thyroiditis

ABSTRACT Objectives The differentiation between the various etiologies of thyrotoxicosis, including those with hyperthyroidism (especially Graves' disease [GD], the most common cause of hyperthyroidism) and without hyperthyroidism (like thyroiditis), is an important step in planning specific therapy. Technetium-99m (99mTc) pertechnetate thyroid scanning is the gold standard in differentiating GD from thyroiditis. However, this technique has limited availability, is contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation, and is not helpful in cases with history of recent exposure to excess iodine. The aim of this study was to identify the diagnostic value of the peak systolic velocity of the inferior thyroid artery (PSV-ITA) assessed by color-flow Doppler ultrasound (CFDU) and compare the sensitivity and specificity of this method versus 99mTc pertechnetate thyroid uptake. Subjects and methods We prospectively analyzed 65 patients (46 with GD and 19 with thyroiditis). All patients were evaluated with clinical history and physical examination and underwent 99mTc pertechnetate scanning and measurement of TRAb levels and PSV-ITA values by CFDU. The diagnosis was based on findings from signs and symptoms, physical examination, and 99mTc pertechnetate uptake. Results Patients with GD had significantly higher mean PSV-ITA values than those with thyroiditis. At a mean PSV-ITA cutoff value of 30 cm/sec, PSV-ITA discriminated GD from thyroiditis with a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 89%. Conclusion Measurement of PSV-ITA by CFDU is a good diagnostic approach to discriminate between GD and thyroiditis, with sensitivity and specificity values comparable to those of 99mTc pertechnetate thyroid uptake.

Carcinoma tiroideo en nódulo centellográfico hipercaptante: reporte de caso / Thyroid carcinoma in hypercaptative scintigraphic nodule: case report

Los nódulos tiroideos suelen ser benignos en más del 95% de los casos y eutiroideos. La probabilidad de cáncer de tiroides en el hipertiroidismo es baja. Al enfrentarse a un nódulo tiroideo la importancia radica en excluir patología maligna, pero se debe mantener el orden en el algoritmo de estudio para evitar un diagnóstico incorrecto y caer en costos innecesarios. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 23 años de edad con hipertiroidismo que en la ecografía aparece un nódulo tiroideo y adenopatía derecha, ambos con elementos sospechosos de malignidad, por lo que se pide punción de ambas estructuras, y se confirma el carcinoma papilar en el nódulo tiroideo, no así en la adenopatía. En el centellograma se observa un nódulo caliente que coincide con el nódulo maligno. Se realiza biopsia intraoperatoria de la adenopatía sospechosa y resulta ser una metástasis de carcinoma papilar. Se procedió a la tiroidectomía total con vaciamiento ganglionar central y lateral derecho. La anatomía patológica confirmó la presencia del carcinoma papilar clásico con metástasis de la adenopatía sospechosa. Posteriormente se administraron 130 mCi de radioyodo. Se debe considerar que los carcinomas pueden enmascararse ocasionalmente como nódulos «calientes¼ en el centellograma y en este caso, si bien en principio no estaría indicada la punción con aguja fina del nódulo dado que es hipercaptante en el centellograma, la ecografía demuestra elementos sospechosos contundentes de malignidad. En este caso el hilo conductor fue la ecografía y se rompió con el esquema clásico en la solicitud de estudios paraclínicos, obteniendo finalmente la confirmación diagnóstica de un cáncer y se realizó el tratamiento adecuado del mismo.

Thyroid nodules are usually benign in more than 95% of cases and euthyroid. The likelihood of thyroid cancer in hyperthyroidism is low. When dealing with a thyroid nodule the importance lies in excluding malignant pathology, but order must be maintained in the study algorithm to avoid an incorrect diagnosis and to fall into unnecessary costs. We present the case of a 23-year-old woman with hyperthyroidism who presented a thyroid nodule and right adenopathy on ultrasound, both with suspicious elements of malignancy, so puncture of both structures was requested, and papillary carcinoma was confirmed in the thyroid nodule, but not in adenopathy. In the scintigraphy a hot nodule is observed that coincides with the malignant nodule. Intraoperative biopsy of the suspected adenopathy is performed and it turns out to be a metastasis of papillary carcinoma. Total thyroidectomy was performed with central and right lateral lymph node dissection. The pathological anatomy confirmed the presence of classic papillary carcinoma with metastasis of the suspected adenopathy. Subsequently, 130 mCi of radioiodine was administered. It should be considered that carcinomas can occasionally be masked as «hot¼ nodules in the scintigraphy and in this case, although in principle the fine needle puncture of the nodule is not indicated given that it is hypercaptant in the scintigraphy, the ultrasound shows blunt suspicious elements of malignancy. In this case, the common thread was ultrasound and it was broken with the classic scheme in the request for paraclinical studies, finally obtaining the diagnostic confirmation of a cancer and the appropriate treatment was carried out.

(99m)Tc-Pertechnetate Scintigraphy Predicts Successful Postoperative Ablation in Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Patients Treated with Low Radioiodine Activities

BACKGROUND: Postoperative routine radioiodine (RAI) treatment is currently debated for patients with low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients. If performed, a low 131I activity (i.e., 1 to 2 GBq) is recommended with the aim to ablate thyroid remnant and facilitate subsequent follow-up by thyroglobulin measurement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between postsurgical technetium-99m (99mTc)-pertechnetate scintigraphy and the rate of successful remnant ablation after low activity radioiodine ablation in patients with DTC. METHODS: Enrolled were 193 patients with low risk DTC who underwent total thyroidectomy and RAI ablation with a fixed 1.1 GBq activity of 131I. 99mTc-pertechnetate scans were done and thyrotropin stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg) levels measured just before ablation. Ablation effectiveness was assessed 6 to 12 months later by sTg measurement, neck ultrasound and diagnostic whole body scan. RESULTS: A negative 99mTc-perthecnetate scans was the best predictor of successful ablation (P<0.001) followed by preablative sTg levels <0.8 ng/mL (P=0.008) and 99mTc-pertechnetate uptake rate values <0.9% (P=0.065). Neither sex nor age of the patient at the time of ablation or tumor histology and size showed a significant association with the rate of successful ablation. CONCLUSION: The 99mTc-pertechnetate scintigraphy is a simple and feasible tool to predict effectiveness of low activity 131I thyroid to ablate thyroid remnants in patients with DTC.

Clinical Applications of Technetium-99m Quantitative Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography / 대한핵의학회잡지

Single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) is an already established nuclear imaging modality. Co-registration of functional information (SPECT) with anatomical images (CT) paved the way to the wider application of SPECT. Recent advancements in quantitative SPECT/CT have made it possible to incorporate quantitative parameters, such as standardized uptake value (SUV) or %injected dose (%ID), in gamma camera imaging. This is indeed a paradigm shift in gamma camera imaging from qualitative to quantitative evaluation. In fact, such quantitative approaches of nuclear imaging have only been accomplished for positron emission tomography (PET) technology. Attenuation correction, scatter correction, and resolution recovery are the three main features that enabled quantitative SPECT/CT. Further technical improvements are being achieved for partial-volume correction, motion correction, and dead-time correction. The reported clinical applications for quantitative SPECT/CT are mainly related to Tc-99m-labeled radiopharmaceuticals: Tc-99m diphosphonate for bone/joint diseases, Tc-99m pertechnetate for thyroid function, and Tc-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid for measurement of glomerular filtration rate. Dosimetry before trans-arterial radio-embolization is also a promising application for Tc-99m macro-aggregated albumin. In this review, clinical applications of Tc-99m quantitative SPECT/CT will be discussed.

Utility of Quantitative Parameters from Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography in Patients with Destructive Thyroiditis

OBJECTIVE: Quantitative parameters from Tc-99m pertechnetate single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) are emerging as novel diagnostic markers for functional thyroid diseases. We intended to assess the utility of SPECT/CT parameters in patients with destructive thyroiditis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five destructive thyroiditis patients (7 males and 28 females; mean age, 47.3 ± 13.0 years) and 20 euthyroid patients (6 males and 14 females; mean age, 45.0 ± 14.8 years) who underwent Tc-99m pertechnetate quantitative SPECT/CT were retrospectively enrolled. Quantitative parameters from the SPECT/CT (%uptake, standardized uptake value [SUV], thyroid volume, and functional thyroid mass [SUVmean × thyroid volume]) and thyroid hormone levels were investigated to assess correlations and predict the prognosis for destructive thyroiditis. The occurrence of hypothyroidism was the outcome for prognosis. RESULTS: All the SPECT/CT quantitative parameters were significantly lower in the 35 destructive thyroiditis patients compared to the 20 euthyroid patients using the same SPECT/CT scanner and protocol (p < 0.001 for all parameters). T3 and free T4 did not correlate with any SPECT/CT parameters, but thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) significantly correlated with %uptake (p = 0.004), SUVmean (p < 0.001), SUVmax (p = 0.002), and functional thyroid mass (p < 0.001). Of the 35 destructive thyroiditis patients, 16 progressed to hypothyroidism. On univariate and multivariate analyses, only T3 levels were associated with the later occurrence of hypothyroidism (p = 0.002, exp(β) = 1.022, 95% confidence interval: 1.008 – 1.035). CONCLUSION: Novel quantitative SPECT/CT parameters could discriminate patients with destructive thyroiditis from euthyroid patients, suggesting the robustness of the quantitative SPECT/CT approach. However, disease progression of destructive thyroiditis could not be predicted using the parameters, as these only correlated with TSH, but not with T3, the sole predictor of the later occurrence of hypothyroidism.

Evaluation of Hot Nodules of Thyroid Gland Using Tc-99m Pertechnetate: a Novel Approach Using Quantitative Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography / 대한핵의학회잡지

Planar scintigraphy using Tc-99mpertechnetate is useful for snapshot evaluation of hot thyroid nodules, which are pathologically follicular adenoma and seldom, if ever, malignant. The autonomy of the hot nodules has been demonstrated by the presence of thyroid-stimulating hormone-dependent extra-nodular thyroid tissue besides the hot nodules. Here, we present two cases of hot thyroid nodules in patients who underwent quantitative single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT). In addition to the nodules, contralateral normal thyroid parenchyma was evaluated based on standardized uptake values. One patient had a traditional follicular adenoma suppressing other thyroid tissue, whereas the other patient seemed to have a nodule erupting from underlying hyperfunctioning, not suppressed, thyroid tissue. This novel approach using quantitative SPECT/CT unveils a new pathology of hot thyroid nodule that does not suppress, but coincides with hyperfunctioning thyroid tissue.

Quantitative Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography for Evaluation of Salivary Gland Dysfunction in Sjögren's Syndrome Patients / 대한핵의학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the usefulness of quantitative salivary single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) using Tc-99m pertechnetate in Sjögren's syndrome (SS).METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed quantitative salivary SPECT/CT data from 95 xerostomic patients who were classified as either SS (n = 47, male:female = 0:47, age = 54.60 ± 13.16 y [mean ± SD]) or non-SS (n = 48, male:female = 5:43, age = 54.94 ± 14.04 y) by combination of anti-SSA/Ro antibody, labial salivary gland biopsy, unstimulated whole saliva flow rate, and Schirmer's test. Thyroid cancer patients (n = 43, male:female = 19:24, age = 46.37 ± 12.13 y) before radioactive iodine therapy served as negative controls. Quantitative SPECT/CT was performed pre-stimulatory 20 min and post-stimulatory 40 min after injection of Tc-99m pertechnetate (15 mCi). The %injected dose at 20 min and the %excretion between 20 and 40 min were calculated for parotid and submandibular glands, generating four quantitative parameters: %parotid uptake (%PU), %submandibular uptake (%SU), %parotid excretion (%PE), and %submandibular excretion (%SE). The most useful parameter for SS diagnosis was investigated.RESULTS: The uptake parameters (%PU and %SU) were significantly different among the SS, non-SS, and negative controls (p = 0.005 for %PU and p < 0.001 for %SU, respectively), but the excretion parameters (%PE and %SE) were not (p > 0.05 for both). The%PU and%SU were significantly lower in SS than in the negative controls and non-SS (p < 0.05 for all pair-wise comparisons). Additionally, the %SU was significantly lower in non-SS than in the negative controls (p < 0.05). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed that the %SU had the greatest area-under-the curve of 0.720 (95% confidence interval = 0.618–0.807). Using the optimal cut-off value of %SU ≤ 0.07%, SS was identified with a sensitivity of 70.21% and a specificity of 70.83%.CONCLUSION: Reduced submandibular uptake of Tc-99m pertechnetate at 20 min (%SU) was proved useful for the diagnosis of SS. Quantitative salivary gland SPECT/CT holds promise as an objective imaging modality for assessment of salivary dysfunction and may facilitate accurate classification of SS.

Usefulness of Tc-99m Pertechnetate SPECT/CT in the Diagnosis of Testicular Infarction After Inguinal Herniorrhaphy / 대한핵의학회잡지

A 77-year-old male underwent open repair for a right indirect inguinal hernia and complained of right scrotal pain on the third postoperative day. Color Doppler imaging revealed decreased blood flow with heterogeneous hypoechogenicity in the right testis. A Tc-99m pertechnetate testicular scan showed diffuse hyperemia and increased uptake in the right scrotum. Additional SPECT/CT revealed a photon defect in the right testicle with increased uptake in the peri-testicular area. A subsequent operation revealed a large hematoma in the right spermatic cord and consequent right testicular infarction, and right orchiectomy was performed.

Radioprotective Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Salivary Gland Dysfunction After Radioiodine Ablation in a Murine Model

OBJECTIVES: Radioiodine (RI) therapy is known to subject cellular components of salivary glands (SG) to oxidative stress leading to SG dysfunction. However, the protective effects of antioxidants on RI-induced SG damage have not been well investigated. The authors investigated the morphometric and functional effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) administered prior to RI therapy and compared this with the effects of amifostine (a well-known antioxidant) in a murine model of RI sialadenitis. METHODS: Four-week-old female C57BL/6 mice (n=48) were divided into four groups; a normal control group, a RI-treated group (0.01 mCi/g mouse, orally), an EGCG and RI-treated group, and an amifostine and RI-treated group. Animals in these groups were divided into 3 subgroups and euthanized at 15, 30, and 90 days post-RI treatment. Salivary flow rates and lag times were measured, and morphologic and histologic examinations and TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUDP nick end labeling) assays were performed. Changes in salivary (99m)Tc pertechnetate uptake and excretion were followed by single-photon emission computed tomography. RESULTS: Salivary flow rates and lag times to salivation in the EGCG or amifostine groups were better than in the RI-treated group. Histologic examinations of SGs in the EGCG or amifostine group showed more mucin-rich parenchyma and less periductal fibrosis than in the RI-treated group. Fewer apoptotic cells were observed in acini, ducts, and among endothelial cells in the EGCG or amifostine group than in the RI group. In addition, patterns of (99m)Tc pertechnetate excretion were quite different in the EGCG or amifostine group than in the RI group. CONCLUSION: EGCG supplementation before RI therapy could protect from RI-induced SG damage in a manner comparable to amifostine, and thus, offers a possible means of preventing SG damage by RI.

Dual ectopic thyroid presenting with an anterior neck mass

No abstract available.

Clinics in diagnostic imaging (162). Meckel's diverticulum

A 28-year-old Chinese man presented with acute bleeding per rectum. Computed tomography showed a posterior outpouching arising from the distal ileum. The outpouching had hyperaemic walls, but no active contrast extravasation was detected. Technetium-99m pertechnetate scintigraphy showed focal areas of abnormal uptake in the right side of the pelvis, superior and posterior to the urinary bladder. These areas of uptake appeared simultaneously with the gastric uptake and demonstrated gradual increase in intensity on subsequent images. The diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum was confirmed on surgery and the lesion was resected. The clinical and imaging features of Meckel's diverticulum are discussed.

Meckel's Diverticulum Diagnosed by Enteroscopy / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Influence of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate thyroid imaging on radioactive iodine uptake / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the influence of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate on radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) in patients with Graves' disease (GD) hyperthyroidism after thyroid scintigraphy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 40 patients in whom thyrotoxicosis was diagnosed at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from 2013 March to May were recruited, and RAIU were performed in all patients. Gamma-count rates at 1 h,25 h,49 h,73 h and 169 h were examined respectively after intravenous injection of 185 MBq (5mCi)of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate. The counts of (99m)Tc and (131)I as well as effective half-life of (99m)Tc (Teff (99m)Tc) were calculated respectively according to the half-life formula. The ratio of (99m)Tc to background counts (1200) was calculated as a reference value to evaluate biokinetics of (99m)Tc.The relationship between the effective half-life of (99m)Tc(Teff (99m)Tc) and the level of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and effective half-life of (131)I (Teff (131)I)were also evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After intravenous injection of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate, (99m)Tc counts at 1h, 25h, 49h, 73h and 169h was (440.16±247.35)×10(4), (11.37±10.67)×10(4), (0.13±0.36)×10(4), (-0.1±0.19)×10(4), respectively, and the ratio of (99m)Tc to background at 1h, 25 h, and 49 h was 3668, 94.75, and 1.08, respectively. The Teff (99m)Tc was (4.41±0.49)h. Inverse correlations were noted between the effective half-life of Teff (131)I and level of FT3 (r=-0.503, P=0.003) and FT4 (r=-0.516, P=0.002), while no significant correlation was found between the Teff (99m)Tc and FT3, FT4 as well as the Teff (131)I.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Teff (99m)Tc is 4.41h, (99m)Tc-pertechnetate thyroid imaging does not influence RAIU three days after injection of (99m)Tc-pertechnetate. Teff (99m)Tc shows no correlation with the thyroid hormone level and RAIU of Graves's hyperthyroidism.</p>

Meckel's scan for patient groups with and without gastrointestinal bleeding: a 15 years local review

To retrospectively analyze the outcome of patients who underwent Meckel's scan in a local centre in Hong Kong over the past fifteen years. Diagnostic values in different referring indications were also reviewed. All patients who referred for Meckel's scan in a local hospital in Hong Kong from 1/1/1996 to 31/12/2010 were identified. Patients' demographic data, presenting symptoms, imaging and clinical findings were reviewed and analyzed. A total of 105 patients were recruited, including 62 children and 43 adults. There were eight patients with positive Meckel's scans and 97 patients with negative scans. Eight Meckel's diverticula were confirmed surgically. The sensitivity and specificity were 75% and 97.9% respectively. The positive and negative predictive values were 75% and 97.9% respectively. Accuracy was 96.2%. Performance was further improved if only patients with gastrointestinal bleeding were selected. Sensitivity [85.7%] and negative predictive value [98.6%] were higher when compared to all indications, while specificity, accuracy and positive predictive value remained similar [97.3%, 96.3% and 75% respectively]. Meckel's scan is an accurate and useful test if the patient was referred for gastrointestinal bleeding. However its role is in doubt for non-gastrointestinal bleeding cases

Optimization condition in labeling of ofloxacin with [99m]Tc and its biological evaluation in Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli for infection imaging

The use of radiopharmaceuticals is a powerful tool in the management of patients with infectious or inflammatory diseases in nuclear medicine. In this study ofloxacin as a second-generation fluoroquinolone is used to design a desired infection imaging agent after labeling with [99m]Tc via direct labeling. Ofloxacin was radiolabeled with [99m]Tc using different concentrations of ligand, stannous chloride, sodium pertechnetate and at different pH. Then labeling yield, stability in saline and serum, lipophilicity, binding with Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and biodistribution in infected mice for labeled compound were studied. The final complex was characterized by TLC and HPLC and radiochemical purity of >90% was obtained when 1.5 mg ofloxacin in presence of 75 micro g SnCl2 was labeled with 370 MBq sodium pertechnetate. The complex showed specific binding to Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Biodistribution results showed that radioligand had high affinity in the infected site in mice. The uptake for Staphylococcus aureus induced infections [T/NT = 2.33 +/- 0.17 at 1 h post injection] was higher than that was for Escherichia coli [T/NT = 1.96 +/- 0.13 at 1 h post injection]. This complex may lead to further development of a radiotracer for imaging of infections induced by grampositive or gram-negative bacteria

A Case of Painful Hashimoto Thyroiditis that Mimicked Subacute Thyroiditis / 전남의대학술지

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune thyroid disorder that usually presents as a diffuse, nontender goiter, whereas subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is an uncommon disease that is characterized by tender thyroid enlargement, transient thyrotoxicosis, and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Very rarely, patients with HT can present with painful, tender goiter or fever, a mimic of SAT. We report a case of painful HT in a 68-year-old woman who presented with pain and tenderness in a chronic goiter. Her ESR was definitely elevated and her thyroid laboratory tests suggested subclinical hypothyroidism of autoimmune origin. (99m)Tc pertechnetate uptake was markedly decreased. Fine needle aspiration biopsy revealed reactive and polymorphous lymphoid cells and occasional epithelial cells with Hurthle cell changes. Her clinical symptoms showed a dramatic response to glucocorticoid treatment. She became hypothyroid finally and is now on levothyroxine therapy.

Mediastinal goiter diagnosed by functional imaging

A 63-year-old asymptomatic woman with cured Hodgkin diseases presented for restaging. The chest computed tomography showed a mass at the right side of the upper mediastinum. The benignity and the origin of the tissue were unknown. First, we performed a bronchoscopy-guided biopsy but without success. In the next step, we initiated radionuclide imaging with technetium-99m pertechnetate [Tc-99m] and radioiodine [I-123]. Low uptake of Tc-99m and intense accumulation of I-123 after 2 and 24 h to the mediastinal mass suggested that the mass was a mediastinal goiter. Based on iodine uptake and the fact that our patient had no symptoms of tracheal compression, we decide to go for a radioiodine therapy

Multiple brown tumors in a patient with parathyroid adenoma depicting affinity for both [99m]Tc -pertechnetate and [99m]Tc-MIBI: Evaluation with hybrid SPECT/CT

Parathyroid adenoma involving a single parathyroid gland is the underlying cause of 80-85% of primary hyperparathyroidism [PHPT]. Skeletal system is significantly affected by PHPT. Brown tumors are known to have affinity for [99m]Tc-MIBI. We report a rare case of PHPT presenting with diffuse bony pain, high calcium level and significantly elevated alkaline phosphatase level. [99m]Tc-pertechnetate/[99m]Tc-MIBI subtraction, performed as a part of routine protocol, showed several brown tumors showing affinity for both [99m]Tc-pertechnetate and [99m]Tc-MIBI. They were further characterized using hybrid SPECT/CT. To the best of our knowledge, [99m]Tc-pertechnetate affinity in brown tumors has not been previously described