Predictors of Bilateral SLN Radiocolloid Detection in Endometrial Carcinoma.

Introduction Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping is an alternative method to conventional lymphadenectomy for nodal status assessment in patients with stage I/II endometrial carcinoma (EC). This study aimed to analyze the potential predictors of unsuccessful bilateral detection of SLN after the application of radiocolloid in EC. Materials and Methods A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was performed on 41 patients with EC in preoperative stage I, who underwent SLN mapping after cervical application of 4mCi 99m Tc-SENTI-SCINT. The demographic, clinical, and tumor-related data were obtained from the patient's medical records. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the potential factors associated with an unsuccessful bilateral SLN biopsy. Results The bilateral SLN detection rate of planar lymphoscintigraphy, single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography, and gamma probe was 29.26, 41.46, and 26.82%, correspondingly. None of the 16 analyzed risk factors showed statistical significance for nonconclusive bilateral SLN biopsy. Conclusion Larger scale studies are needed to determine the exact risk factors for unsuccessful bilateral mapping of the lymphatic drainage after cervical application of the radiotracers. This will eventually lead to improvement in bilateral SLN detection in EC patients, so unilateral lymphadenectomy could be avoided.

Joint EANM/SNMMI/IHPBA procedure guideline for [99mTc]Tc-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy SPECT/CT in the quantitative assessment of the future liver remnant function.

PURPOSE: The aim of this joint EANM/SNMMI/IHPBA procedure guideline is to provide general information and specific recommendations and considerations on the use of [99mTc]Tc-mebrofenin hepatobiliary scintigraphy (HBS) in the quantitative assessment and risk analysis before surgical intervention, selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) or before and after liver regenerative procedures. Although the gold standard to estimate future liver remnant (FLR) function remains volumetry, the increasing interest in HBS and the continuous request for implementation in major liver centers worldwide, demands standardization. METHODS: This guideline concentrates on the endorsement of a standardized protocol for HBS elaborates on the clinical indications and implications, considerations, clinical appliance, cut-off values, interactions, acquisition, post-processing analysis and interpretation. Referral to the practical guidelines for additional post-processing manual instructions is provided. CONCLUSION: The increasing interest of major liver centers worldwide in HBS requires guidance for implementation. Standardization facilitates applicability of HBS and promotes global implementation. Inclusion of HBS in standard care is not meant as substitute for volumetry, but rather to complement risk evaluation by identifying suspected and unsuspected high-risk patients prone to develop post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) and post-SIRT liver failure.

The Evaluation of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Using Radiocolloid in First Stage Endometrial Cancer.

Objectives: Detection of a sentinel lymph node (SLN) in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) reduces the rate of unnecessary systemic lymph dissection. The aim of this study was to assess the SLN detection rate, accuracy of the method using Tc-99m-SENTI-SCINT and the rate of metastatic nodal involvement in patients with preoperative first stage EC. Methods: A prospective study of SLN biopsy of 41 patients with stage I EC was conducted after cervical application of 4mCi Tc-99m-SENTI-SCINT. Planar lymphoscintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) of the pelvis were performed, followed by site-specific lymphadenectomy in intermediate-risk patients if no SLN was detected per hemipelvis and pelvic lymphadenectomy in all high-risk patients. Results: Pre-operative detection rate of planar lymphoscintigraphy was 80.49 [95% confidence interval (CI): 68.36-92.62] and of SPECT/CT 95.12 (95% CI: 88.52-101.7). The total intraoperative SLN detection rate was 95.12 (95% CI: 88.52-101.7) per patient and 26.83 (95% CI: 19.91-33.75) bilaterally. The average number of SLNs removed was 1.6±0.8. The most common anatomical location of SLN was the right external iliac region. The SLN metastatic rate was 17%. Both sensitivity and negative predictive value regarding metastatic involvement were 100%. Conclusion: The SLN detection rate, sensitivity and negative predictive value using Tc-99m-SENTI-SCINT in patients with EC in our study were high. The application of ultra-staging in the histopathological analysis of SLN increases the detection of nodal metastases and improves the staging in these patients.

Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia in a Six-year-Old Boy.

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare congenital benign bone disease that manifests as a defect in the bone remodeling process, affecting the function, differentiation, and maturation of osteoblasts. This process is located in the bone marrow, where the normal marrow tissue is replaced with immature bone islands and fibrous stroma. The etiology is unclear so far, but it is known to be connected with a point mutation of the gene that encodes Gs α protein at the time of embryogenesis, and because of that, all of the affected somatic cells become dysplastic. It is important to determine whether the mutation occurred earlier in the process of embryogenesis so that there will be more mutant cells and the disease will appear in a more severe form. The clinical presentation of FD is variable, so there are plenty of potential differential diagnoses. The most common include Paget disease, non-ossifying fibroma, osteofibrous dysplasia, aneurysmal bone cyst, adamantinoma, giant cell tumor, fracture callus, and low-grade central osteosarcoma.

Ultrasound features and preoperative accuracy of the fine needle aspiration biopsy in detection of thyroid carcinomas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the ultrasound (US) characteristics and fine needle biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid carcinomas (TCs) prior to surgery and compare with postoperative histopathology and to determine FNAB sensitivity and specificity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the US data during 1999-2015 was performed, as well as analysis of FNAB results and using histopathology report as "gold standard" the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of this method was evaluated. RESULTS: Data revealed that tumors >51 mm were declining by 50% in the period 2011-2015 compared to 2005-2010 or by 18% 2011-2015 compared to 1999-2004 and significant increase was detected in diagnosis of multicentric tumors. The analysis revealed that FNAB has sensitivity = 65.7% CI (0.59% - 0.71%) and specificity = 50% CI (0.43%-0.56%), PPV = 56.9% and NPV = 59.2%. CONCLUSION: We found increasing detection of smaller TCs, as well as more frequent detection of multicentricity of the neoplastic foci. FNAB results in our study revealed low sensitivity and specificity. Major limitation of the study was inability to exactly separate US guided from non US guided FNAB in evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity, due to retrospective nature of the analysis. Further studies evaluating only US guided FNAB should be performed.

Preoperative detection of sentinel lymph node in patients with endometrial cancer - comparison of planar lymphoscintigraphy, spect and SPECT/CT.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping allows minimal invasive assessment of lymph node status in patients with early-stage endometrial cancer (EC). Intraoperative detection of SLNs is based on the results obtained from preoperative nuclear medical images. The purpose of this study was to compare the data obtained from planar lymphoscintigraphy (PL), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and SPECT with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for preoperative SLN detection in patients with EC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 44 images in 22 patients with early-stage EC (22 PL, 9 SPECT and 13 SPECT/CT) were analyzed. The scans were performed in the period 2018-2020 at the Institute of Pathophysiology and Nuclear Medicine in Skopje. Thirteen patients underwent PL and SPECT/CT and nine patients underwent PL and SPECT after cervical injection of 4 mCi 99mTc-SENTI-SCINT on the day of surgery. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Test, and Spearman rank R coefficient were used for data analyses. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients with mean age of 61.1 ± 7.5 and body mass index (BMI) 34.62 ± 6.4 kg/m2 were included in the study. In four patients (18.2%) SLN was not detected on PL. Detection rate on SPECT and SPECT/CT was 100%. The average number of detected SLN was 1.4 ± 1.05, 2.2 ± 1.1 и 2.15 ± 1.1 on PL, SPECT and SPECT/CT respectively. We found a statistically significant difference in the number of detected SLNs on PL vs SPECT/CT (p = 0.0077). The most common SLN location on SPECT/CT was the right internal iliac followed by the left common iliac region. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the presented study indicate a higher diagnostic value of SPECT/CT in terms of SLN detection and exact anatomic localization as compared to planar lymphoscintigraphy (PL).

Solitary metastatic deposit in the mandible from follicular thyroid carcinoma.

Follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) is the second most common cancer of the thyroid, after papillary carcinoma. Oral metastasis arising from FTC is very rare. Mandible is more commonly affected than maxilla, with the premolar-molar region being the most frequent site of metastasis. We present the case of a 68yearold female, with swelling in the region of the parotid gland, complaining of periodic rightsided pain in the temporomandibular joint, which occurred most often in the morning with numbness and pain, and difficulty in opening the mouth. After ultrasound and X-ray, the patient was operated and the pathohistological finding was in favor of metastasis of FTC. After 3 months, a total thyroidectomy was performed, and FTC was detected in the right thyroid lobe. Laboratory results were as follows: FT4 = 9.92 pmol/L, thyroid-stimulating hormone = 9.9 mIU/L, and hTG >300 µg/L. Bone scan showed no bone metastasis. Radioablation with 131I of 150 mCi was given to the patient, followed by substitutional therapy with levothyroxine. Mandible metastasis as a single skeletal deposit from follicular thyroid carcinomas is a rare clinical finding. Maxillofacial surgeons should consider and rule out thyroid pathology before performing operation of tumor formation in the mandible region. If feasible, surgical-based treatment options offer the best survival outcomes.

The Influence of Maternal BMI on Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Older Women.

As mothers age, the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes may increase, but the results so far are controversial and several issues remain unknown, such as the impact of maternal weight on the effects associated with older age. In a prospective cohort of 912 Polish women with singleton pregnancies (recruited in 2015-2016), we assessed the pregnancy outcomes depending on the mother's age (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, and ≥40 years). Women aged ≥35 years (vs. <35 years) were assessed in terms of body mass index (BMI). Multidimensional logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) of the pregnancy results. The risk profiles (using the Lowess method) were applied to determine the threshold risk. We found that both the youngest and the oldest group members displayed higher adjusted odds ratios of preeclampsia (PE), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and preterm birth <37th week (U-shaped risk). In the remaining cases, the age ≥40 years, compared to the youngest age 18-24 years, was associated with a higher adjusted risk of gestational hypertension (GH) (AOR = 5.76, p = 0.034), gestational diabetes mellitus GDM-1 (AOR = 7.06, p = 0.016), cesarean section (AOR = 6.97, p <0.001), and low birth weight LBW (AOR = 15.73, p = 0.033) as well as macrosomia >4000 g (AOR = 8.95, p = 0.048). We found that older age ≥35 years (vs. <35 years) was associated with higher adjusted odds ratios of all the pregnancy outcomes investigated. In obese women, these adverse older age related results were found to be more intense in GH study, as well as (though weaker) in birth <37th week study, small-for-gestational age birth weight (SGA), LBW, large-for-gestational age birth weight (LGA), and macrosomia. In overweight women, these adverse older age related results were found to be more intense in preterm birth study, as well as (though weaker) in SGA and LBW. In underweight women, adverse pregnancy outcomes related to older age were more intense in a study of cesarean section. At the same time, underweight was associated with reversal of some negative effects of older age (we found lower odds ratios of GDM-1 diabetes). The maternal threshold age above which the risk of GH, PE, GDM, caesarean section, and preterm birth increased was 33-34 years (lower than the threshold of 35 years assumed in the literature), and the threshold risk of IUGR, LBW, SGA, LGA, and macrosomia was 36-37 years. Main conclusions: Older maternal age was associated with a higher chance of all kinds of obstetric complications. Older women should particularly avoid obesity and overweight.

A Rare Case of Partial Peripheral Thyroid Hormone Resistance Due to a Point Mutation in the Membrane Integrin Α(V)Β(3) and Concomitant Hashimoto`s Thyroiditis.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones is a type of unresponsiveness of the peripheral cells or tissues to FT3 and/or FT4. Generalised resistance to thyroid hormones affects the pituitary gland and most of the peripheral tissues. Selective pituitary resistance or central resistance to thyroid hormones include unresponsiveness of the pituitary gland, but the peripheral tissues are responsive. Selective peripheral resistance involves peripheral tissue or cellular resistance to thyroid hormones, but the pituitary gland is responsive. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a rare case of a female patient with partial peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones due to a point mutation coding for the beta subunit of the integrin molecule α(V)ß(3) and concomitant Hashimoto`s thyroiditis. Clinically, the patient`s symptoms were in favour of hypothyroidism, and the laboratory results were in favour of the secondary hyperthyroid state. PCR protein amplification detected a point mutation coding for the membrane receptor, which mediates a signal via the MAPK pathway when bonded with thyroid hormones. CONCLUSION: Peripheral resistance to thyroid hormones is a very rare condition and can often be misdiagnosed due to the broad spectrum of clinically similar differential diagnostic entities. Molecular analysis is required to confirm the exact underlying cause for the impaired peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormones syndrome.

FALSE POSITIVE RADIOIODINE POST-ABLATION SCAN IN SCALP REGION IN A WOMAN WHO USED HAIR COLORING REVEALED BY SPECT/CT.

OBJECTIVE: Radioiodine ablation with iodine-131 is a standard therapeutic procedure for patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). We present a contamination artifact on whole-body scan (WBS), after radioiodine ablation due to papillary thyroid carcinoma. The hybrid imaging resolved the question of metastasis versus contamination. METHODS: In the case of 35-year-old female patient we used a General Electric hybrid gamma camera with a high-energy-general-purpose collimator for performing WBS, and single photon emission computed tomography combined with low dose computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for the detection of any residual thyroid tissue or meta-static disease and at the same time ablation and treatment of any confirmed metastasis. RESULTS: A thyroid scan showed activity in the remnant thyroid tissue of the right lobe, but also laterally in the calvaria (left temporal region). The patient's neck ultra-sound and thyroglobulin level were not in favor of metastasis. A false positive finding due to hair coloring was concluded with SPECT/CT hybrid imaging. CONCLUSION: SPECT/CT scan can contribute to establishing a final diagnosis in patients being evaluated for atypical locations of radioactive iodine accumulation after ablative doses of radioactive iodine, distinguishing between metastases from DTC and false positive accumulations or artifacts.

Sentinel Lymph Node Detection in Colorectal Cancer - First Experience.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second commonest cancer in women, the third in men, being the fourth commonest cause of cancer death. The most important factor for prognosis and staging in CRC patients is the status of the regional lymph nodes (LN). AIM: To implement the method for sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in CRC patients using radiocolloid, and test its detection rate, sensitivity, accuracy, negative predictive value and the possibility for upstaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 40 CRC patients, age 63 ± 14 years, without LNs detected on CT or MRI. SLN detection was performed after endoscopically peri- and intratumoral injection of 99mTc-SENTISCINT. All patients underwent resection with systemic lymphadenectomy, and the SLNs were detected ex vivo. Pathohistology was performed to all resected LNs. RESULTS: The identification rate was 95%, the accuracy of the procedure was 92.1%, the negative predictive value was 86.95%, the sensitivity was 83.3%, and the upstage was 22.5%. CONCLUSION: Identification of SLNs in CRC patients with this method is possible and the detection rate, negative predictive value, accuracy and sensitivity are reliable. We expect to contribute in the upstaging of stage II CRC patients and the selection of appropriate oncology treatment protocols.

Normal Values of Tissue-Muscle Perfusion Indexes of Lower Limbs Obtained with a Scintigraphic Method.

Introduction Muscle perfusion is a physiologic process that can undergo quantitative assessment and thus define the range of normal values of perfusion indexes and perfusion reserve. The investigation of the microcirculation has a crucial role in determining the muscle perfusion. Materials and method The study included 30 examinees, 24-74 years of age, without a history of confirmed peripheral artery disease and all had normal findings on Doppler ultrasonography and pedo-brachial index of lower extremity (PBI). 99mTc-MIBI tissue muscle perfusion scintigraphy of lower limbs evaluates tissue perfusion in resting condition "rest study" and after workload "stress study", through quantitative parameters: Inter-extremity index (for both studies), left thigh/right thigh (LT/RT) left calf/right calf (LC/RC) and perfusion reserve (PR) for both thighs and calves. Results In our investigated group we assessed the normal values of quantitative parameters of perfusion indexes. Indexes ranged for LT/RT in rest study 0.91-1.05, in stress study 0.92-1.04. LC/RC in rest 0.93-1.07 and in stress study 0.93-1.09. The examinees older than 50 years had insignificantly lower perfusion reserve of these parameters compared with those younger than 50, LC (p=0.98), and RC (p=0.6). Conclusion This non-invasive scintigraphic method allows in individuals without peripheral artery disease to determine the range of normal values of muscle perfusion at rest and stress condition and to clinically implement them in evaluation of patients with peripheral artery disease for differentiating patients with normal from those with impaired lower limbs circulation.

Demographic and Clinical Features of Thyroid Carcinomas in Republic of Macedonia (1999-2010).

BACKGROUND: Thyroid carcinomas (TC) are the most common endocrine malignancies. In some parts of the world, the incidence of TCs has increased over the past few decades, especially in females according to some studies. AIM: We have set as the objective for our study to analyse the demographic, ultrasound features, thyroid hormonal status and frequency of thyroid carcinomas in the Republic of Macedonia according to histopathological type. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of medical data from all diagnosed and treated patients with TC at the Institute of Pathophysiology and Nuclear Medicine for the period 1999-2010 was performed. Demographic characteristics: age at diagnosis, gender, histopathological type of TC and from clinical features: US findings and thyroid hormonal state at initial examination and their distribution in eight state regions were evaluated. RESULTS: Total number of 204 patients with TC in the Republic of Macedonia was registered. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) was the most frequent with 131 pts (64.21%), follicular (FTC) with 13 pts (6.37%) was second thyroid malignoma, followed by medullary (MTC) with 12 pts (5.88%), anaplastic (ATC) 11 pts (5.39%) and the rarest types were Hurtle cell carcinoma and intrathyroid sarcoma with only 1 diagnosed case. Age varied widely from 7 yrs to 88 yrs age (average 47.9 ± 16.6 yrs). PTC was more prevalent in younger age groups, while ATC was diagnosed in elderly patients. In all of the eight-country regions, the prevalence rate was higher for females than males (3:1) or 15.21/105 female to 5.03/105 male prevalence rate. According to US appearance mostly TC was unilateral in 42.65% and multifocal in 7.84% with dimensions from 15 to 50 mm. CONCLUSION: There is an increase in incidence and prevalence rate of TCs in our country, mostly PTC, while reduction exists in the number of diagnosed cases of ATC and FTC, comparing with previous studies before iodine prophylaxis program. Different from described in the literature is female: male (4:1) ratio for ATC. According to US features, we can conclude that introduction of more detailed reporting system may improve diagnostic accuracy.

Tissue-Muscle Perfusion Scintigraphy of the Lower Limbs in a Patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Peripheral Arterial Disease.

The estimation of tissue perfusion as a hemodynamic consequence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in diabetic patients is of great importance in the management of these patients.We present a noninvasive, functional method of 99mTc-MIBI (methoxy-isobutyl-isonitrile) tissue-muscle perfusion scintigraphy (TMPS) of the lower limbs, which assesses tissue perfusion in basal conditions ("rest" study) and exercise conditions ("stress" study). Emphasis is given on perfusion reserve (PR) as an important indicator of preservation of microcirculation and its local autoregulatory mechanisms in PAD. We present a case of a 71-year-old male diabetic patient with skin ulcers of the right foot and an ankle-brachial index >1.2 (0.9-1.1). Dynamic phase TMPS of the lower limbs showed decreased and late arterial vascularization of the right calf (RC) with lower percentage of radioactivity in the 1st minute: RC 66%, left calf (LC) 84%. PR was borderline with a value of 57% for LC and decreased for RC (42%). Functional assessment of hemodynamic consequences of PAD is important in evaluating both advanced and early PAD, especially the asymptomatic form. The method used to determine the TMPS of the lower limbs, can differentiate subtle changes in microcirculation and tissue perfusion.

Vesicoureteral Reflux Detected with (99m)Tc-DTPA Renal Scintigraphy during Evaluation of Renal Function.

BACKGROUND: Radionuclide techniques, as direct radionuclide cystography and (99m)Tc-DMSA scintigraphy, have been used in evaluation of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and reflux nephropathy (RN) in children. Dynamic (99m)Tc-DTPA scintigraphy is reserved for evaluation of differential renal function and obstruction in children, where hydronephrosis is detected by ultrasonography (US) pre- or postnatally. CASE REPORT: Six year old boy was prenatally diagnosed with bilateral hydronephrosis. Postnatal, severe bilateral VUR was detected by voiding urethrocytography. US and (99m)Tc-DTPA scintigraphy performed in the first month of life showed small left kidney that participated with 2% in the global renal function. Bilateral cutaneous ureterostomy has been performed in order to obtain good renal drainage and promote optimal renal growth. Twelve months later, classic antireflux procedure was done. Control (99m)Tc-DTPA scintigraphy, 5 ys after antireflux surgery, revealed persisting radioactivity during the diuretic phase, in the left kidney that indicated antireflux procedure failure with VUR reappearance. CONCLUSION: (99m)Tc-DTPA scintigraphy is the first method of choice for long-term monitoring of individual kidney function in children with VUR and other congenital urinary tract anomalies. Additionally, it can be used as indirect radionuclide cystography when rising of radioactivity in the kidney region, during the diuretic phase can indicate presence of VUR.