Radioiodine Uptake at Suture Site Granuloma Mimicking Neck Node Metastasis on 131I Whole-Body Iodine Scintigraphy.

ABSTRACT: Differentiated thyroid carcinoma constitutes over 90% of all thyroid cancers. The standard treatment approach involves total or near-total thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection followed by 131I whole-body scintigraphy (WBS) to detect local or distant metastases. Radioiodine offers high sensitivity and specificity for detection of metastatic disease in well differentiated thyroid carcinoma. However, despite its high accuracy, 131I WBS demonstrates false-positive results, mostly at inflammatory or infective site. These false-positive radioiodine accumulation can lead to misdiagnosis and unwarranted radioiodine treatment. This case presents localization of 131I to the suture site granuloma leading to false-positive results on 131I WBS.

Incidental Detection of Myocardial Ischemia on Whole-Body PET/CT in a Patient With Carcinoma Lung.

ABSTRACT: 18 F-FDG PET/CT being a whole-body technique can detect multiple other critical nononcological findings. Various cardiac disorders identified incidentally on 18 F-FDG have been reported to help in timely management and improve overall patient care. We hereby present one such case where 18 F-FDG PET/CT performed for a workup of carcinoma lung revealed abnormal myocardial FDG uptake in the anteroseptal and apical region, which raised suspicion of myocardial ischemia such as hot spot imaging. On coronary angiography, coronary artery disease was detected and subsequently managed.

Role of PSMA-targeted PET-CT in renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Fluoro-deoxy glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), the workhorse of nuclear medicine, has limited utility for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly clear cell variant. Thus, various other tracers have been tried for evaluation of RCC. One of the most promising targets for radiotracers is prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expressed in abundance in carcinoma-associated neo-vasculature. Thus, we tried to review and analyse the role of PSMA-targeted PET/CT in evaluation of RCC. Databases like PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS were searched for original studies published on PSMA-targeted PET/CT in RCC till 30 September 2023. Revised Tool for the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) checklist was used to assess the included studies. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated and represented with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Heterogeneity in the studies was assessed by I-square index. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of PSMA-targeted PET/CT for detection of local disease estimates were 87.2% (95%CI: 77-94%) and 100% (95%CI: 92.9-100%), respectively. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for detection of local recurrent disease are 100% (95%CI: 71.5-100%) and 100% (95%CI: 89.4-100%), respectively. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for detection of metastatic disease are 92% (95%CI: 86.2-96%) and 96.9% (95%CI: 83.8-99.9%), respectively. Pooled sensitivity of PSMA-targeted PET/CT for detection of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and non-ccRCC are 94.7% (95%CI: 88-98.3%) and 75% (95%CI: 35-96.8%), respectively. PSMA-targeted PET-CT demonstrated better diagnostic efficacy for the detection of recurrent RCC. Whilst for staging RCC, it had higher specificity but lower sensitivity. Thus, it can serve as a non-invasive adjuvant tool to conventional imaging in the evaluation of staging of RCC, particularly clear cell variant.

False-Positive Radioiodine Uptake in the Cervix in a Patient with Thyroid Cancer.

Radioactive iodine (RAI) accumulation is commonly used for the detection of metastatic disease posttotal thyroidectomy. However, false-positive results have been reported due to abnormal RAI accumulation in some benign pathologies apart from metastatic sites. Here, we present one such case where false-positive I-131 uptake in the pelvis which localized to the cervix and was attributed to menstruation.

Delayed Recurrence of Gall Bladder Cancer as Port-site Metastases with Occult Primary Detected on Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography: A Tale of Two Cases.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a fairly common procedure and is currently considered the gold standard for cholecystectomy. However, the laparoscopic procedure in the presence of gall bladder cancer (GBC) is associated with the risk of port-site metastasis (PSM). Furthermore, in few cases, GBC remains occult even on postoperative histopathology and presents with PSM remotely. Here, we describe two such cases of GBC with occult primary who presented with PSM and also defined the role of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography in the management of such cases.

Prognostic significance of extramedullary disease (EMD) detected on pre-transplant 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with multiple myeloma: Results of PIPET-M trial.

Background: It is difficult to prognosticate the post-Autologous Stem Cell Transplant (ASCT) responses in multiple myeloma (MM) with the currently available prognostication models. 18F-FDGPET/CT has numerous advantages to prognosticate the post-transplant responses by assessing extramedullary disease (EMD) in addition to the extent of active disease. We aimed at identifying the prognostic value of EMD in predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Methods: This is a single centre prospective study from western India during a study period of 2014-2022 (with a median follow-up of patients of 6 years). All ASCT patients underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT as part of pre-transplant workup. The conditioning and treatment protocols were not modified based on PET/CT findings. EMD on PET/CT was correlated with pre-transplant biochemical markers and post-ASCT survival/ progression (as defined by revised IMWG criteria). Statistical analysis was done using SPSS ver. 20. Results: Patients with pre-ASCT EMD had a hazard-ratio for post-transplant all-cause mortality of 5.46 (p-0.045). Pre-transplant ß2M and LDH were significantly higher in patients with EMD (p-0.036). The 6-year median OS in patients with and without EMD were 57.1%, and 80.6% respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed poorer OS in patients with EMD χ2 (1-0.496, p-0.481). There was no significant difference in clinical or biochemical EFS among patients with EMD. Conclusion: EMD detected on 18F-FDG-PET/CT has a higher hazard for mortality and is significantly correlated with pre-transplant higher ß2M and LDH levels. Thus, EMD by pre-transplant 18F-FDG-PET/CT has a significant prognostic role.

Uterine Metastasis Presenting as Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in a Case of Primary Breast Cancer Identified on 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Metastases to the female genital tract are rare, especially from extragenital primaries. The most common extragenital sites associated with genital metastasis are the gastrointestinal tract (37.6%) followed by the breast (34.9%). It is crucial to differentiate primary from metastatic involvement of the uterus for appropriate patient management. We present one such case of endometrial metastasis in a patient who presented clinically with abnormal uterine bleeding and was diagnosed with primary breast cancer via 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Recurrent Renal Cell Carcinoma Presenting as Port-Site Metastases, Detected on 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography.

The incidence of port-site metastases (PSMs) varies with the tumor type with adenocarcinoma having a high incidence. However, it is rarely seen in urological malignancies and more so in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). We hereby describe one such case of PSM after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for RCC, which was detected on 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography.

Small Chyle Leak Localized on Lymphoscintigraphy with Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography-Computed Tomography.

Chylothorax refers to the accumulation of triglyceride-rich fluid (chyle) within the pleural space. We described a case of spontaneous chylothorax in an infant. Lymphoscintigraphy was performed with 99 m-Tc sulfur colloid which showed tracer accumulation into thoracic cavity, and single-photon emission computed tomography/CT (SPECT/CT) revealed leak in the thoracic duct at D8 vertebral level as the cause. We, thus, emphasize the role of lymphoscintigraphy with SPECT/CT in identification of cause and guiding the management of chylothorax, especially when surgical treatment is planned.

Study of Correlation between Serum Osteoprotegerin, TNF-Alfa, and Biomarkers of Bone Metabolism in Patients with Treatment-Naive Graves' Disease-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: Primary - a study of the correlation between serum osteoprotegerin (OPG), and biomarkers of bone metabolism in patients with treatment-naive Graves' disease (GD). Secondary - serum level of OPG, TNF-alfa, and biomarkers of bone metabolism in patients three months after treatment of GD with methimazole (MMI). Materials and Methods: A total of thirty-five treatment-naive newly diagnosed GDs were recruited for the study, most of them female. All patients started with MMI for treatment and various blood parameters were measured at baseline and three months after treatment. Measurements: Serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (B-ALP), OPG, TNF-alfa, and urine deoxypyridinoline (U-DPD) along with serum-free T3 and T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid receptor antibody (TR-ab) were analysed at baseline and three months after MMI treatment. All the patients had euthyroid at three months of MMI treatment. Results: Mean serum OPG (0.94 ± 1.39 vs. 0.63 ± 0.27 ng/ml; P = 0.262) level at baseline and after treatment with MMI did not show any significant change. Mean TSH level (0.207 ± 0.59 vs. 1.00 ± 1.95, P = 0.025) was significantly low at baseline than after treatment; FT4 (5.9 ± 5.22 v 1.77 ± 1.89 ng/dl; P < 0.001), FT3 (12.19 ± 6.91 vs. 4.99 ± 3.55 pg/ml; P < 0.001), and TNF-alfa values decreased significantly after treatment, however, PTH (58.09 ± 28.75 vs. 75.57 ± 41.50; P < 0.026) increased significantly after treatment. Discussion: There is no correlation of OPG with thyroid hormone profile, TSH, thyroid receptor antibody (TR-ab), and bone metabolic parameters such as serum Ca, P, B-ALP, TNF-alfa, and U-DPD in our study. Mean TNF-alfa decreased significantly (393.43 ± 270.473 vs. 139.34 ± 101.264 pg/ml; P = 0.001) level after treatment with MMI. TNF-alfa was positively correlated with TR-ab (r = 0.374; P = 0.027) and B-ALP (r = 0.388; P = 0.021). Conclusion: The bone turnover marker in GD seems to be mediated other than OPG. We observed an increase in circulating TNF-alfa in GD with a significant decrease after treatment. TNF-alfa could be a marker of GD activity as evidenced by a close positive correlation with TR-ab, a sensitive marker of GD autoimmunity. TNF-alfa could be a factor associated with bone turnover markers in GD despite its euthyroid state.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia following Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Metastatic Follicular Carcinoma of the Thyroid.

Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is widely used and has an important role in the management of hyperthyroidism and thyroid malignancies. The development of acute or chronic leukemia is a very rare complication of RAI therapy. We report a case of metastatic Follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) who underwent total thyroidectomy followed by treatment with a cumulative dose of 1600 mCi of RAI (for 4 years) and by palliative radiotherapy for L4 spinal metastasis, later on, developed acute myeloid leukemia. Thus, all patients with thyroid carcinoma treated with RAI should undergo periodic hematological examinations irrespective of RAI dose.

Steroid-Induced Activated White Adipose Tissue Detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT.

White adipose tissue (WAT) usually shows negligible 18F-FDG uptake due to negligible glucose utilization. However, corticosteroids alter the biodistribution of 18F-FDG and increase uptake in WAT. Here, we present a case of diffusely increased 18F-FDG uptake in WAT secondary to high-dose corticosteroid therapy for nephrotic syndrome.

Efficacy and Safety of Actinium-225 Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Radioligand Therapy in Metastatic Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis.

BACKGROUND: Actinium-225 (Ac-225) labelled PSMA RLT has been tested recently in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), with encouraging results. Ac-225, being an alpha emitter, is expected to have higher efficacy and fewer side effects compared to the beta-emitters such as Lutetium-177. We have performed a meta-analysis to assess the therapeutic responses, survival effects, and significant side effects of Ac-225 PSMA RLT in patients with mCRPC. METHODOLOGY: Systematic literature search was carried out from five electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until March 2021. Eight studies were found to be eligible for this metanalysis. RESULTS: Eight studies with 226 patients were analyzed in this metanalysis. 81% (95% CI 73-89) patients had a decline in PSA levels. 60% of the patients showed more than 50% PSA decline. Two studies assessed survival effects of radioligand naïve patients compared to patients who had received Lu-PSMA therapy previously and the pooled HR for radioligand naïve patients is 0.22. The most common toxicity reported was xerostomia in 167 patients out of 226 patients (73.9%, 95% CI 67.6-79.5%); however, most of them were confined to grade I and II levels. Other reported side effects include hematologic toxicity and nephrotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Ac-PSMA RLT is a safe and potentially effective treatment option for patients with mCRPC.

Emerging role of bone scintigraphy single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography in foot pain management.

Foot and ankle joints being weight-bearing joints are commonly subjected to wear and tear and are prone to traumatic and other pathologies. Most of these foot and ankle pathologies present with pain. The diagnosis of pathology and localization of pain generators is difficult owing to the complex anatomy of the foot and similar clinical presentation. This makes the management of foot pain clinically challenging. Conventional anatomical imaging modalities are commonly employed for evaluation of any anatomical defect; however, these modalities often fail to describe the functional significance of the anatomical lesions, especially in presence of multiple lesions which is common in ankle and foot; however, hybrid single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) by virtue of its dual modalities, that is, highly sensitive functional imaging and highly specific anatomical imaging can serve as a problem-solving tool in patient management. This review attempts to describe the role of hybrid SPECT/CT in overcoming the limitation of conventional imaging and describes its potential application in the management of foot and ankle pain.

Rare Case of Phyllodes Tumor of Breast with Cardiac and Pancreatic Metastases: Findings on 18F-FDG PET/CT.

Phyllodes tumor (PT) represents a rare type of breast tumor arising from the stromal component rather than the epithelium. Metastatic spread occurs hematogenously, with lung, bone, brain, and liver being the most common sites. We present the 18F-FDG PET/CT scan of one such case of phyllodes tumor showing cardiac and pancreatic metastases, which are an extremely rare occurrence.

An Incidentally Detected Case of Atypical Bronchial Carcinoid on Stress Myocardial Perfusion SPECT/CT.

Myocardial perfusion imaging is primarily done to look for stress-induced perfusion defects in patients suspected of having coronary artery disease. However, the rotating raw images can provide significant information on the surrounding structures. The lungs lie near the heart, and any abnormality showing increased uptake can be seen on myocardial perfusion imaging. We report the case of a 52-y-old man with a history of diabetes for the previous 5 y, who presented to the cardiology outpatient department because of occasional chest pain and dyspnea. Electrocardiography and echocardiography showed no significant abnormality. The patient was referred to the nuclear medicine department for stress-induced myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. The raw 99mTc-sestamibi images showed abnormal uptake in the hilar region of the right lung, which, on subsequent investigations, was diagnosed as atypical bronchial carcinoid tumor.

Aberrant Radioactive Iodine Uptake in Simple Ovarian Cyst: A Rare Finding.

I-131 whole body scan and therapy play an important role in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients for the detection of residual thyroid tissue and metastatic disease. However, various false-positive findings have been reported in the literature which can appear as metastases. Here, we present one such case, in which an I-131 posttherapy scan revealed false-positive radioactive iodine uptake which localized to a simple ovarian cyst.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome-like Pattern in a Case of Pancoast Tumor.

We present the case of a 52-year-old male who was recently diagnosed case of a Pancoast tumor and presented to the pulmonary outpatient department with a complaint of pain in the shoulder and chest region which was burning type, associated with shoulder abduction weakness and poor hand grip. Subsequently, he was referred for a 99m-Tc bone scan for metastatic workup, which showed increased uptake in all the joints and long bones of the ipsilateral upper limb. This case highlights the importance of considering nontraumatic cause of pattern similar to complex regional pain syndrome.

18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET-Computerized Tomography and non-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET-Computerized Tomography in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Malignancies.

Molecular imaging with PET-computerized tomography (PET-CT) plays an important role in oncology. There is current and evolving evidence supporting the use of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and non-FDG tracers in assessment patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers in various clinical scenarios. In this chapter, we discuss the advantages and limitations of FDG and non-FDG PET-CT in the management of patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers.

Comparison of Acute Followed by Maintenance ECT vs Clozapine on Psychopathology and Regional Cerebral Blood Flow in Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: In treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), Clozapine is only approved treatment with undesirable side-effects, warranting better alternatives. Our hypothesis is acute followed by maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy (M-ECT) will be comparable in efficacy and safety to Clozapine in TRS. STUDY DESIGN: In this open-label trial, 60 TRS patients were randomized equally to M-ECT (following an acute-course) or Clozapine. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Clinical Global Impression Schizophrenia Scale (CGI-SCH), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Global assessment of functioning (GAF) were measured and compared within and between the groups at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. SPECT-CT brain was done at baseline and 24 weeks to compare the changes in regional cerebral perfusion between the groups and correlate with the changes in the outcome-measures. STUDY RESULTS: The PANSS-T scores changes from baseline over the observation-points were significant in both M-ECT and clozapine groups (P < .001), with comparatively better reduction with M-ECT (P < .001). Similar trends were observed in PANSS subscales, CGI-SCH and GAF in both groups, with significantly better improvement with M-ECT over the study-period. After 24 weeks, there was significantly better perfusion with M-ECT in bilateral prefrontal and temporal cortices (P < .05). With M-ECT, a positive correlation was found between changes in PANSS-P scores and left-lateral Temporal cortical perfusion (r = .465, P = .017). CONCLUSIONS: Acute followed by M-ECT was more effective than clozapine over 6 months in reducing the positive and negative symptoms, general psychopathology, illness-severity, and improving the global functionality in TRS [clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03807882].