Impact of previous glucocorticoid therapy on diagnostic accuracy of [18F] FDG PET-CT in giant cell arteritis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of prior glucocorticoid (GC) treatment on the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-FDG PET-CT in giant cell arteritis (GCA). METHODS: Retrospective study of a consecutive cohort of 85 patients with proven GCA who received high-dose GC before PET-CT. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients previously treated with methylprednisolone (MP) boluses, of whom 37% were PET-CT (uptakes grade 3 or 2) positive. The positivity rate was 80% with MP doses of 125 mg, 33% with 250 or 500 mg, and 0% with doses of 1 g.  If we also classify as positive those cases with a grade 1 uptake (with a circumferencial uptake and smooth linear or long segmental pattern, possibly indicative of "apparently inactive" vasculitis), the positivity rate increases to 62% (100%, 50-60%, and 33% for the different MP doses, respectively). In patients with new-onset GCA treated with high-dose oral GC, PET-CT positivity was 54.5% in patients treated for less than two weeks, 38.5% in those treated for 2 to 4 weeks, and 25% in those treated for 4 to 6 weeks (increasing to 91%, 77%, and 50%, respectively, if we include cases with grade 1 uptake and these characteristics). In patients with relapsing/refractory GCA, or who developed GCA having a prior history of PMR, PET-CT positivity reached 54% despite long-term treatment with low-to-moderate doses of GC (68% including cases with a grade 1 uptake). CONCLUSION: A late 18F-FDG PET-CT (beyond the first 10 days of treatment) can also be informative in a considerable percentage of cases.

FDG PET/TC en el cáncer colorrectal / FDG PET/CT in colorectal cancer

El cáncer colorrectal es el tercer cáncer en frecuencia a nivel mundial. Aunque su incidencia está aumentando, fundamentalmente en menores de 50 años, su mortalidad ha disminuido un 50% en los países más desarrollados, principalmente debido a la adopción de nuevas prácticas en la prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento. En particular, las diversas modalidades de diagnóstico por imagen permiten mejorar la toma de decisiones terapéuticas, la evaluación de la respuesta y la eficacia de las nuevas terapias y la detección precoz de la recidiva. La finalidad del presente trabajo es hacer una revisión de la evidencia científica disponible sobre el valor de la tomografía por emisión de positrones con 18F-FDG (18F-FDG PET/TC) en el cáncer colorrectal, haciendo especial hincapié en las indicaciones de las guías y recomendaciones de las principales asociaciones científicas internacionales respecto a esta técnica de imagen

Colorectal cancer is the third most frequent cancer worldwide. Although its incidence is increasing, mainly in those aged under 50, mortality has decreased by 50% in the more developed countries, principally due to the adoption of new practices in prevention, diagnosis and treatment. In particular, the various diagnostic imaging modalities allow improved therapeutic decision-making, evaluation of the response and early detection of recurrence. The aim of this paper is to review the available scientific evidence on the value of positron emission tomography with 18F-FDG (18F-FDG PET/CT) in the colorectal cancer, with special emphasis on the indications of the guidelines and recommendations of the main international scientific associations regarding this imaging technique

FDG PET/CT in colorectal cancer. / FDG PET/TC en el cáncer colorrectal.

Colorectal cancer is the third most frequent cancer worldwide. Although its incidence is increasing, mainly in those aged under50, mortality has decreased by 50% in the more developed countries, principally due to the adoption of new practices in prevention, diagnosis and treatment. In particular, the various diagnostic imaging modalities allow improved therapeutic decision-making, evaluation of the response and early detection of recurrence. The aim of this paper is to review the available scientific evidence on the value of positron emission tomography with 18F-FDG (18F-FDG PET/CT) in the colorectal cancer, with special emphasis on the indications of the guidelines and recommendations of the main international scientific associations regarding this imaging technique.

PET/TC con 18F-FDG en paciente con presentación atípica de angiosarcoma cardiaco / 18F-FDG PET/CT in a patient with atypical presentation of cardiac angiosarcoma

Los tumores cardíacos o pericárdicos primarios son infrecuentes siendo más habitual la afectación metastásica. El angiosarcoma cardíaco es un tumor primario infrecuente de origen mesenquimal y de mal pronóstico por presentar metástasis en el momento del diagnóstico, y por su pobre respuesta a los tratamientos oncoespecíficos. Se describe el caso de una paciente de 74 años, que presenta un angiosarcoma cardíaco primario, con una localización infrecuente a nivel de pericardio. Se revisa la literatura y la utilidad de la PET/TC con 18F-FDG en su estadificación inicial

Primary cardiac or pericardial tumors are infrequent, metastatic involvement being more common. Cardiac angiosarcoma is a rare primary malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin. It entails a poor prognosis mostly due to frequent metastases at the time of diagnosis, as well as low response to onco-specific treatments. We describe a case of a 74-year-old patient with a primary cardiac angiosarcoma with an infrequent location at pericardium level. We review the literature and the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the initial staging

18F-FDG PET/CT in a patient with atypical presentation of cardiac angiosarcoma. / PET/TC con 18F-FDG en paciente con presentación atípica de angiosarcoma cardiaco.

Primary cardiac or pericardial tumors are infrequent, metastatic involvement being more common. Cardiac angiosarcoma is a rare primary malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin. It entails a poor prognosis mostly due to frequent metastases at the time of diagnosis, as well as low response to onco-specific treatments. We describe a case of a 74-year-old patient with a primary cardiac angiosarcoma with an infrequent location at pericardium level. We review the literature and the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the initial staging.

Differences on metabolic behavior between intra and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas at 18F-FDG-PET/CT: prognostic implication of metabolic parameters and tumor markers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cholangiocarcinoma is an infrequent neoplasm barely studied with 18F-FDG-PET/CT. We evaluated the metabolic behavior of cholangiocarcinoma in PET/CT according to its location (intra or extrahepatic) and analyzed the relationship between metabolic parameters of the primary tumor and tumor markers (CA19-9 and CEA), determining their prognostic significance. METHODS: Retrospective study of PET/CT of 60 patients with untreated cholangiocarcinoma, divided into two groups according to tumor location. FDG uptake was evaluated visually and semiquantitatively [SUVmax and tumor-to-liver ratio (TLR)], and differences between intra and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas were tested, both for FDG uptake in the primary tumor and for the presence of regional or distant disease (per-patient), as well as regarding tumor marker levels. A correlation between metabolic parameters and tumor markers was performed, and prognostic value of these factors was determined (univariate and multivariate analyses). RESULTS: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas were significantly more FDG-avid than extrahepatic ones (p = 0.006 for SUVmax; p = 0.002 for TLR). There were differences neither between both groups considering the capacity of PET/CT to detect regional (p = 0.261) and distant involvement (p = 0.876), nor regarding the levels of tumor markers (p = 0.160 for CA19-9; p = 0.708 for CEA). Metabolic parameters and tumor markers showed a weak positive correlation (R2 0.22-0.27). At the multivariate analysis, advanced stage (p = 0.024), increased CEA (p = 0.022), and higher TLR (p = 0.003) were significantly related with shorter overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Intra and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas behave differently on PET/CT, though no differences between both groups exist in its capacity to detect regional or distant disease. Metabolic parameters and levels of tumor markers seem to relate with tumor burden, impacting in prognosis.

Diagnosing neuroleukemiosis: is there a role for 18F-FDG-PET/CT? / Diagnosticando la neuroleucemiosis: ¿existe un papel para la PET/TC con 18F-FDG?

An imaging case is presented on a patient referred to our department for an 18F-FDG-PET/CT, as a paraneoplastic syndrome was suspected due to his clinical situation. He had a history of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated two years earlier, with sustained complete remission to date. 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings revealed hypermetabolism in almost all nerve roots, suggesting meningeal spread, consistent with the subsequent MRI findings. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings confirmed a leptomeningeal reactivation of AML. Although not many studies have evaluated the role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in leukemia, it is a noninvasive tool for detecting extramedullary sites of disease and a good imaging alternative for those patients on whom an MRI cannot be performed (AU)

Presentamos el caso de un paciente remitido a nuestro servicio para la realización de una PET/TC con 18F-FDG por sospecha clínica de un síndrome paraneoplásico Entre sus antecedentes destacaba el de una leucemia mieloide aguda tratada 2 años antes y en remisión completa en los controles sucesivos. La PET/TC con 18F-FDG mostró hipermetabolismo en prácticamente todas las raíces nerviosas, apuntando a enfermedad meníngea diseminada, en concordancia con los hallazgos de la RM realizada posteriormente. El análisis del líquido cefalorraquídeo confirmó una reactivación leptomeníngea de la leucemia mieloide aguda. A pesar de los pocos estudios existentes sobre el papel de la PET/TC con 18F-FDG en la leucemia, es una herramienta no invasiva para localizar recidivas extramedulares de la enfermedad y una buena técnica de imagen alternativa para aquellos pacientes a los que no se les puede realizar una RM (AU)

18F-FDG PET/CT in the detection of a primary radiation-induced metastatic angiosarcoma / 18F-FDG PET/TC en la detección de angiosarcoma primario radioinducido metastásico

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Diagnosing neuroleukemiosis: Is there a role for 18F-FDG-PET/CT?

An imaging case is presented on a patient referred to our department for an 18F-FDG-PET/CT, as a paraneoplastic syndrome was suspected due to his clinical situation. He had a history of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated two years earlier, with sustained complete remission to date. 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings revealed hypermetabolism in almost all nerve roots, suggesting meningeal spread, consistent with the subsequent MRI findings. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings confirmed a leptomeningeal reactivation of AML. Although not many studies have evaluated the role of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in leukemia, it is a noninvasive tool for detecting extramedullary sites of disease and a good imaging alternative for those patients on whom an MRI cannot be performed.

Hipoestesia mentoniana como manifestación de metástasis mandibular diagnosticada en la gammagrafía ósea / Numb chin syndrome as a manifestation of jaw metastasis diagnosed in a bone scan

El síndrome del mentón entumecido (numb chin syndrome [NCS]) en muchos casos puede representar una patología banal, pero al poder asociarse con procesos malignos, su presencia debe alertar al clínico como posible manifestación de una enfermedad maligna oculta. En pacientes previamente diagnosticados de una neoplasia, representa a menudo un signo ominoso que indica mal pronóstico por el rápido progreso de la enfermedad. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 62 años diagnosticado de cáncer de pulmón y de vejiga que aqueja sensación de «acorchamiento» en zona mentoniana. La gammagrafía ósea confirma la sospecha de enfermedad metastásica ósea falleciendo a los 2 meses de manifestarse este signo (AU)

In many cases, numb chin syndrome (NCS) may represent a banal pathology. However, as it can be associated with malignant processes, its presence should alert the clinician of a possible occult disease. In patients already diagnosed with cancer, it often represents an ominous sign that indicates poor prognosis, due to the rapid progress of the disease. The case is presented of a 62-year-old man diagnosed with synchronous lung and bladder cancer, who suddenly complained of numbness in the chin. The bone scan confirmed the suspicion of metastastic bone disease, and the patient died two months after the appearance of this sign (AU)

Numb chin syndrome as a manifestation of jaw metastasis diagnosed in a bone scan.

In many cases, numb chin syndrome (NCS) may represent a banal pathology. However, as it can be associated with malignant processes, its presence should alert the clinician of a possible occult disease. In patients already diagnosed with cancer, it often represents an ominous sign that indicates poor prognosis, due to the rapid progress of the disease. The case is presented of a 62-year-old man diagnosed with synchronous lung and bladder cancer, who suddenly complained of numbness in the chin. The bone scan confirmed the suspicion of metastastic bone disease, and the patient died two months after the appearance of this sign.

Scintigraphic depiction of non-ossifying fibromas and the role of SPECT/CT / Representación gammagráfica de fibromas no osificantes y el rol de SPECT/TAC

Non-ossifying fibromas (NOF) are a benign entity of the developing bone, relatively common in children and young adults. Their location is most frequently metaphyseal. They are usually asymptomatic (unless associated to a fracture) and have a self-limited behavior, with spontaneous regression through a sclerotic consolidation. Plain X-ray is the main imaging tool for its diagnosis. However, an unclear X-ray may lead to further imaging studies. We present the case of a 17-year-old male with back pain and lower limb dysmetria referred for a bone scintigraphy to complete the diagnostic and assess disease extension and the subsequent MRI evaluation

Los fibromas no osificantes (NOF) son entidades benignas del hueso en desarrollo, relativamente frecuentes en niños y adultos jóvenes. Su localización más habitual es la metáfisis de los huesos largos, suelen ser asintomáticos (excepto si se asocian a una fractura) y normalmente se autolimitan, regresando espontáneamente mediante una consolidación esclerosante. La radiografía simple es la principal herramienta para su diagnóstico. Sin embargo, una radiografía dudosa puede llevar a la realización de otras pruebas de imagen. Presentamos el caso de un chico de 17 años con dolor de espalda y dismetría de miembros inferiores, remitido para la realización de una gammagrafía ósea con la finalidad de completar el diagnóstico y evaluar la extensión de la afectación, y la posterior valoración mediante RM

Reply to the comments on 'Selective biopsy of the sentinel lymph node in patients with breast cancer and previous excisional biopsy: is there a change in the reliability of the technique according to time from surgery?' / Respuesta a los comentarios sobre 'Biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela en pacientes con cáncer de mama y biopsia escisional previa: ¿cambia la fiabilidad de la técnica según el tiempo transcurrido desde la cirugía?'

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Biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela en pacientes con cáncer de mama y biopsia escisional previa: ¿cambia la fiabilidad de la técnica según el tiempo transcurrido desde la cirugía? / Selective biopsy of the sentinel lymph node in patients with breast cancer and previous excisional biopsy: is there a change in the reliability of the technique according to time from surgery?

Objetivo. Analizar la influencia del tiempo sobre la fiabilidad de la biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela (BSGC) en pacientes con cáncer de mama y biopsia escisional (BE) previa, estudiando la tasa de detección del ganglio centinela y de recidivas ganglionares. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron 36 pacientes con cáncer de mama cT1/T2 N0 y BE de la lesión, a los que se realizó la linfogammagrafía tras la administración periareolar subdérmica de radiocoloide, el día previo a la cirugía para BSGC. Los pacientes se clasificaron en dos grupos: uno incluyó 12 pacientes en los que la BSGC tuvo lugar durante los 29 días posteriores a la BE (grupo A) y otro 24 en que el tiempo transcurrido entre ambas cirugías fue igual o superior a 30 días (grupo B). Se analizaron la detección gammagráfica y quirúrgica del ganglio centinela, la histología del ganglio centinela y de la linfadenectomía axilar realizada, y las recidivas ganglionares durante el seguimiento. Resultados. La detección gammagráfica y quirúrgica del ganglio centinela fue del 100% en ambos grupos. Histológicamente, tres pacientes presentaron macrometástasis en el ganglio centinela, una del grupo A y dos del B. Ningún paciente, ni siquiera aquellos con afectación metastásica del ganglio centinela, recidivó después de un seguimiento medio de 49,5 meses (24 - 75). Conclusión. En la serie estudiada, el tiempo transcurrido entre la BE y la BSGC no ha influenciado la fiabilidad de esta última después de una inyección superficial del radiofármaco, demostrando una alta tasa de detección del ganglio centinela, sin evidencia de recidivas ganglionares durante el seguimiento (AU)

Aim. To assess the influence of time on the reliability of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients with previous excisional biopsy (EB), analyzing both the sentinel lymph node detection and the lymph node recurrence rate. Material and methods. Thirty-six patients with cT1/T2 N0 breast cancer and previous EB of the lesion underwent a lymphoscintigraphy after subdermal periareolar administration of radiocolloid, the day before SLNB. Patients were classified into two groups, one including 12 patients with up to 29 days elapsed between EB and SLNB (group A), and another with the remaining 24 in which time between both procedures was of 30 days or more (group B). Scintigraphic and surgical detection of the sentinel lymph node, histological status of the sentinel lymph node and of the axillary lymph node dissection, if performed, and lymphatic recurrences during follow-up, were analyzed. Results. Sentinel lymph node visualization at the lymphoscintigraphy and surgical detection were 100% in both groups. Histologically, three patients showed macrometastasis in the sentinel lymph node, one from group A and two from group B. None of the patients, not even those with malignancy of the sentinel lymph node, relapsed after a medium follow-up of 49.5 months (24 - 75). Conclusion. Time elapsed between EB and SLNB does not influence the reliability of this latter technique as long as a superficial injection of the radiopharmaceutical is performed, proving a very high detection rate of the sentinel lymph node without evidence of lymphatic relapse during follow-up (AU)

Scintigraphic depiction of non-ossifying fibromas and the role of SPECT/CT.

Non-ossifying fibromas (NOF) are a benign entity of the developing bone, relatively common in children and young adults. Their location is most frequently metaphyseal. They are usually asymptomatic (unless associated to a fracture) and have a self-limited behavior, with spontaneous regression through a sclerotic consolidation. Plain X-ray is the main imaging tool for its diagnosis. However, an unclear X-ray may lead to further imaging studies. We present the case of a 17-year-old male with back pain and lower limb dysmetria referred for a bone scintigraphy to complete the diagnostic and assess disease extension and the subsequent MRI evaluation.

[Selective biopsy of the sentinel lymph node in patients with breast cancer and previous excisional biopsy: is there a change in the reliability of the technique according to time from surgery?]. / Biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela en pacientes con cáncer de mama y biopsia escisional previa: ¿cambia la fiabilidad de la técnica según el tiempo transcurrido desde la cirugía?

AIM: To assess the influence of time on the reliability of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in breast cancer patients with previous excisional biopsy (EB), analyzing both the sentinel lymph node detection and the lymph node recurrence rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with cT1/T2 N0 breast cancer and previous EB of the lesion underwent a lymphoscintigraphy after subdermal periareolar administration of radiocolloid, the day before SLNB. Patients were classified into two groups, one including 12 patients with up to 29 days elapsed between EB and SLNB (group A), and another with the remaining 24 in which time between both procedures was of 30 days or more (group B). Scintigraphic and surgical detection of the sentinel lymph node, histological status of the sentinel lymph node and of the axillary lymph node dissection, if performed, and lymphatic recurrences during follow-up, were analyzed. RESULTS: Sentinel lymph node visualization at the lymphoscintigraphy and surgical detection were 100% in both groups. Histologically, three patients showed macrometastasis in the sentinel lymph node, one from group A and two from group B. None of the patients, not even those with malignancy of the sentinel lymph node, relapsed after a medium follow-up of 49.5 months (24-75). CONCLUSION: Time elapsed between EB and SLNB does not influence the reliability of this latter technique as long as a superficial injection of the radiopharmaceutical is performed, proving a very high detection rate of the sentinel lymph node without evidence of lymphatic relapse during follow-up.

Tratamiento del craneofaringioma quístico con 90Y-coloide. Presentación de 4 casos clínicos / Treatment of cystic craniopharyngioma with 90Y-Colloid. Four clinical cases

El craneofaringioma es un tumor intracraneal histológicamente benigno y frecuentemente quístico que puede presentar un comportamiento agresivo por compresión de estructuras vecinas. Su manejo terapéutico es complicado ya que si bien el tratamiento de elección suele ser la cirugía, esta no está exenta de una gran morbimortalidad y recidiva tumoral frecuente. En aquellos craneofaringiomas con un componente quístico importante la irradiación interna del tumor con isótopos radiactivos supone una alternativa a los tratamientos convencionales. Se presentan 4 casos de pacientes con craneofaringiomas quísticos tratados mediante administración intraquística con 90Y-coloide y su evolución después del tratamiento(AU)

Craniopharyngioma is a histologically benign and frequently cystic intracranial tumor. It may present aggressive behavior due to compression of nearby structures. Its therapeutic management is complicated because, although surgery is the usual treatment of choice, it is not exempt of high morbidity and mortality, and frequent tumor recurrence. In craniopharyngiomas with a significant cystic component, internal irradiation with radioactive isotopes is a therapeutic alternative to conventional treatments. We present the cases of four patients with cystic craniopharyngiomas who were treated with intracystic administration of 90Y-colloid, and their evolution after the therapy(AU)