Clinical indications, image acquisition and data interpretation for white blood cells and anti-granulocyte monoclonal antibody scintigraphy: an EANM procedural guideline.

INTRODUCTION: Radiolabelled autologous white blood cells (WBC) scintigraphy is being standardized all over the world to ensure high quality, specificity and reproducibility. Similarly, in many European countries radiolabelled anti-granulocyte antibodies (anti-G-mAb) are used instead of WBC with high diagnostic accuracy. The EANM Inflammation & Infection Committee is deeply involved in this process of standardization as a primary goal of the group. AIM: The main aim of this guideline is to support and promote good clinical practice despite the complex environment of a national health care system with its ethical, economic and legal aspects that must also be taken into consideration. METHOD: After the standardization of the WBC labelling procedure (already published), a group of experts from the EANM Infection & Inflammation Committee developed and validated these guidelines based on published evidences. RESULTS: Here we describe image acquisition protocols, image display procedures and image analyses as well as image interpretation criteria for the use of radiolabelled WBC and monoclonal antigranulocyte antibodies. Clinical application for WBC and anti-G-mAb scintigraphy is also described. CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines should be applied by all nuclear medicine centers in favor of a highly reproducible standardized practice.

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

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.

Common diagnostic flow charts for diagnosis and management of patients with an inflammatory bowel disease.

This paper presents the different views of the gastroenterologist, the radiologist and the nuclear medicine specialist in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. The role of clinical parameters and biochemical marker as well as the progressive use of the different imaging modalities: magnetic resonance, computerized tomography and nuclear medicine techniques is presented. The paper is an effort to combine the published European Crohn's and Colitis Organization, European Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology and European Association of Nuclear Medicine consensus with the conclusions of the multidisciplinary meeting organized in 2012 Milano during the EANM Congress with the objective of find a common diagnostic flowchart.

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)

Imaging techniques for assessment of inflammatory bowel disease: joint ECCO and ESGAR evidence-based consensus guidelines.

The management of patients with IBD requires evaluation with objective tools, both at the time of diagnosis and throughout the course of the disease, to determine the location, extension, activity and severity of inflammatory lesions, as well as, the potential existence of complications. Whereas endoscopy is a well-established and uniformly performed diagnostic examination, the implementation of radiologic techniques for assessment of IBD is still heterogeneous; variations in technical aspects and the degrees of experience and preferences exist across countries in Europe. ECCO and ESGAR scientific societies jointly elaborated a consensus to establish standards for imaging in IBD using magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, ultrasonography, and including also other radiologic procedures such as conventional radiology or nuclear medicine examinations for different clinical situations that include general principles, upper GI tract, colon and rectum, perineum, liver and biliary tract, emergency situation, and the postoperative setting. The statements and general recommendations of this consensus are based on the highest level of evidence available, but significant gaps remain in certain areas such as the comparison of diagnostic accuracy between different techniques, the value for therapeutic monitoring, and the prognostic implications of particular findings.

Treatment of cystic craniopharyngioma with 90Y-Colloid. Four clinical cases.

Craniopharyngioma is a histologically benign and frequently cystic intracranial tumor. It may present aggressive behavior due to compression from 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 treatment.

Utilidad de la PET-TC en la valoración de la respuesta precoz al tratamiento en el linfoma B difuso de celula grande. Resultados preliminares / Utility of the PET-CT in the evaluation of early response to treatment in the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Preliminary results

Objetivo. Valorar la utilidad de la PET-TC con FDG tras los primeros ciclos de quimioterapia en la predicción de la respuesta al tratamiento en pacientes con linfoma B difuso de célula grande. Metodologia. Se incluyeron 20 pacientes (edad media: 48), 16 en la estadificación inicial y 4 por recidiva. La PET-TC se realizó en tres tiempos: 1) Basal, 2) Tras el primer-tercer ciclo (valoración de respuesta precoz), y 3) Al finalizar el tratamiento (valoración de respuesta final). Los hallazgos de la valoración precoz fueron correlacionados con la valoración final y el seguimiento. La valoración de la respuesta se estableció según la disminución de la captación de las lesiones (SUVmax). En la valoración precoz el indicador de buena respuesta (IBR) fue la reducción del SUVmax > 50% o la desaparición. Al final del tratamiento se determinó la respuesta metabólica completa (RMC) en ausencia de focos. El seguimiento fue superior a los 19 meses, estableciendo progresión/recidiva o sin evidencia de enfermedad (SEE). Resultados. La valoración precoz fue IBR en 16/16 pacientes de estadificación inicial (100%) y en 2/4 de recidiva (50%). Al final del tratamiento, en el primer grupo 14/16 pacientes con IBR consiguieron RMC y 1/16 RMP; 14 continuaron SEE y uno recidivó. En el segundo grupo 2/2 pacientes con IBR consiguieron RMC; uno continuó SEE y otro recidivó. Conclusion. La PET-TC tras los primeros ciclos de quimioterapia es útil para monitorizar el tratamiento debido a su elevado valor predictivo negativo (87,5%), modificando la terapia precozmente en los no respondedores(AU)

Objective. To assess the role of FDG-PET/CT performed after the first cycles of chemotherapy in the prediction of response to treatment in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Methods. Twenty patients (mean age: 48 years) were included, 16 initial staging and 4 relapse. All patients underwent PET/CT at 3 times: 1) Baseline, 2) After 1-3 cycles of chemotherapy (early response assessment), and 3) End of treatment (evaluation of final response). Early PET/CT findings were correlated to the end-treatment PET/CT and follow-up. The evaluation of the response was established according to the decrease in uptake of the lesions (SUVmax). In the early assessment, a good response indicator (GRI) was obtained when the lesion disappeared or had more than 50% reduction in SUVmax. At the end of the treatment, a complete metabolic response (CMR) was determined in negative PET scans. Follow-up was superior to 19 months and final outcome was established as progression/relapse or no evidence of disease (NED). Results. At the early treatment evaluation, 16/16 patients of initial staging (100%) and 2/4 of relapse (50%) achieved GRI. At the end of treatment evaluation, 14/16 patients of initial staging with GRI achieved CMR and 1/16 PMR: 14 were alive with NED in the follow-up while 1 relapsed. In the second group, 2/2 patients with GRI achieved CMR (100%): 1 continued with NED in the follow-up and another relapsed. Conclusion. FDG-PET/CT after the first cycles of chemotherapy is useful to monitor treatment due to its high negative predictive value (87.5%), using it to modify treatment early in the non-responders(AU)

Utility of the PET-CT in the evaluation of early response to treatment in the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of FDG-PET/CT performed after the first cycles of chemotherapy in the prediction of response to treatment in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. METHODS: Twenty patients (mean age: 48 years) were included, 16 initial staging and 4 relapse. All patients underwent PET/CT at 3 times: 1) Baseline, 2) After 1-3 cycles of chemotherapy (early response assessment), and 3) End of treatment (evaluation of final response). Early PET/CT findings were correlated to the end-treatment PET/CT and follow-up. The evaluation of the response was established according to the decrease in uptake of the lesions (SUVmax). In the early assessment, a good response indicator (GRI) was obtained when the lesion disappeared or had more than 50% reduction in SUVmax. At the end of the treatment, a complete metabolic response (CMR) was determined in negative PET scans. Follow-up was superior to 19 months and final outcome was established as progression/relapse or no evidence of disease (NED). RESULTS: At the early treatment evaluation, 16/16 patients of initial staging (100%) and 2/4 of relapse (50%) achieved GRI. At the end of treatment evaluation, 14/16 patients of initial staging with GRI achieved CMR and 1/16 PMR: 14 were alive with NED in the follow-up while 1 relapsed. In the second group, 2/2 patients with GRI achieved CMR (100%): 1 continued with NED in the follow-up and another relapsed. CONCLUSION: FDG-PET/CT after the first cycles of chemotherapy is useful to monitor treatment due to its high negative predictive value (87.5%), using it to modify treatment early in the non-responders.

Medición de la absorción de los ácidos biliares en el diagnóstico inicial de la diarrea crónica / Measurement of 75Se-SeHCAT abdominal retention in the initial diagnosis of Bile Acid Absorption (BAM)

Objetivo. Evaluar la utilidad de la prueba del 75SeHCAT en el diagnóstico precoz del síndrome diarreico (SD). Se evaluaron prospectivamente 37 pacientes con SD de un mes de evolución. Método. Se midió la retención abdominal (RA) de 75SeHCAT 4 y 7 días post-administración de 0,01 mCi de 75SeHCAT antes del tratamiento y a los tres meses en los pacientes con estudio basal positivo. La prueba se consideró positiva si la RA era: < 25% el 4.° y < 10% el 7.° días. Los pacientes fueron visitados a los tres meses. Según la respuesta se distinguió: a) respuesta completa: normalización del ritmo deposicional; b) respuesta parcial, disminución de la frecuencia/consistencia, y c) no respuesta. Resultados. Grupo A: la RA fue normal en 21 pacientes. El diagnóstico fue: 6 divertículos colónicos, 8 síndrome de intestino irritable, 1 colitis linfocitaria, 1 síndrome post-gastroenteritis, 1 enfermedad celíaca, 1 estenosis de cardias y 4 continuan en estudio. Grupo B: la RA disminuyó en 16 pacientes; todos mostraron una RA baja a los 7 días y solo uno a los 4 días. Tras la administración de resina de colestiramina, 8 (50%) presentaron respuesta parcial y 8 (50%) respuesta completa. A los tres meses, la RA había aumentado en tres pacientes al 4.° día y en 9 al 7.° día. Conclusión. La medición de la RA de 75Se-SEHCAT permite el diagnóstico precoz de la malabsorción de sales biliares en el 43% de pacientes con SD. La medición a los 7 días parece más precisa que la de los 4 días(AU)

Aim. To evaluate the usefulness of the 75SeHCAT abdominal retention (AR) measurement in the early diagnosis of diarrhea syndrome (DS). Methods. Thirty-seven patients with diarrhea syndrome within the first month of evolution were prospectively evaluated. The 75Se-SeHCAT abdominal retention was measured 4 and 7 days post-administration of 0.01 mCi of 75SeHCAT. The test was performed prior to treatment and at 3 months when the baseline study was positive. The test was considered positive if the RA was <25% at 4th and <10% on the 7th day. The patients were visited at 3 months. Depending on the response, 3 groups were established: a) complete response: normalization of stool frequency, b) partial response, decrease of frequency or c) no response. Results. Group A: The AR of 75Se-SEHCAT was normal in 21 patients. Six were diagnosed of colonic diverticulosis, 8 of irritable bowel syndrome, 1 of lymphocytic colitis, 1 of post-gastroenteritis syndrome, 1 of celiac disease and 1 of stenosis of the cardia. Four are still under study. Group B: The AR of 75Se-SEHCAT decreased in 16 patients. All showed abnormal AR at day 7 and all but 1 at day 4. Following administration of cholestyramine resin, 8 (50%) presented partial response and 8 (50%) complete response. At 3 months, AR had increased at day 4 and 9 at day 7. Conclusion. The measurement of 75SEHCAT abdominal retention allows the early diagnosis of bile acid malabsorption in 43% of the patients with DS. Measurement at 7 days seems more accurate than that at 4 days(AU)

[Measurement of 75Se-SeHCAT abdominal retention in the initial diagnosis of Bile Acid Absorption (BAM)]. / Medición de la absorción de los ácidos biliares en el diagnóstico inicial de la diarrea crónica.

AIM: To evaluate the usefulness of the (75)SeHCAT abdominal retention (AR) measurement in the early diagnosis of diarrhea syndrome (DS). METHODS: Thirty-seven patients with diarrhea syndrome within the first month of evolution were prospectively evaluated. The (75)Se-SeHCAT abdominal retention was measured 4 and 7 days post-administration of 0.01 mCi of (75)SeHCAT. The test was performed prior to treatment and at 3 months when the baseline study was positive. The test was considered positive if the RA was <25% at 4(th) and <10% on the 7th day. The patients were visited at 3 months. Depending on the response, 3 groups were established: a) complete response: normalization of stool frequency, b) partial response, decrease of frequency or c) no response. RESULTS: Group A: The AR of (75)Se-SEHCAT was normal in 21 patients. Six were diagnosed of colonic diverticulosis, 8 of irritable bowel syndrome, 1 of lymphocytic colitis, 1 of post-gastroenteritis syndrome, 1 of celiac disease and 1 of stenosis of the cardia. Four are still under study. Group B: The AR of (75)Se-SEHCAT decreased in 16 patients. All showed abnormal AR at day 7 and all but 1 at day 4. Following administration of cholestyramine resin, 8 (50%) presented partial response and 8 (50%) complete response. At 3 months, AR had increased at day 4 and 9 at day 7. CONCLUSION: The measurement of (75)SEHCAT abdominal retention allows the early diagnosis of bile acid malabsorption in 43% of the patients with DS. Measurement at 7 days seems more accurate than that at 4 days.

Relación entre el riesgo de metástasis en el ganglio centinela y los receptores estrogénicos en pacientes pre y posmenopáusicas con cáncer de mama / Positive sentinel node risk in relation to oestrogen receptors in breast cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women

Objetivo. Investigar la relación entre el estado pre o posmenopáusico de la paciente con carcinoma de mama (CM) y el riesgo de metástasis en el ganglio centinela (GC) y dentro de cada uno de esos grupos el riesgo según el estado de los receptores de estrógeno (RE). Método. Análisis de la base de datos de GC con 1.388 pacientes. Se estudiaron tres grupos de edad: A) posmenopáusicas ancianas, 200 pacientes, ≥70 años; B) posmenopáusicas más jóvenes, 89 pacientes, 55–69 años, y C) premenopáusicas, 85 pacientes, <55 años. En cada grupo se analizaron 2 subgrupos: tumores con RE positivos o negativos. Factores estudiados en cada grupo y subgrupo: pacientes con GC positivo, pacientes con ganglios no centinela (GNC) positivos, número de no detecciones quirúrgicas (NDQ) y pacientes no libres de enfermedad (NLE) tras 52 meses de seguimiento. Análisis estadístico: test de chi-cuadrado; significancia p<=0,05. Resultados. En las premenopáusicas el número de GC positivos es significativamente (p<0,025) mayor que en las posmenopáusicas y dentro de las premenopáusicas fundamentalmente en los tumores con RE negativos. El número de GNC positivos aumenta solo discretamente en las premenopáusicas y ocurre exclusivamente en tumores con RE negativos. El número de pacientes NLE es similar en los 3 grupos y en todos ellos es mucho más frecuente en pacientes con tumores con RE negativos. Conclusiones. El número de pacientes con GC positivo varía significativamente con el estado hormonal y no con la edad de la paciente, siendo más frecuentes en las premenopáusicas y fundamentalmente en tumores con RE negativos(AU)

Objective. The influence of the relationship between pre- and post-menopausal stage of patients with breast cancer (BC) and the risk of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis as well as the influence of oestrogen receptor (ER) status within each one of these groups were analyzed. Methods. A BC database with 1,388 patients was analysed. Three age groups were studied: A, elderly postmenopausal, 200 patients, ≥70 years old; B, younger postmenopausal, 89 patients, 55–69 years old; C, premenopausal, 85 patients, <55 years old. In each group 2 subgroups were analyzed: positive ER and negative ER tumours. Data analysed: SLN-positive patients, non-sentinel node (NSN)-positive patients, non-surgical detections (NSD) and non disease-free (NDF) patients after a follow-up of 52 months. Statistical analysis: chi-squared test, significance: P<=0.05. Results. SLN metastasis was significantly (P<0.025) more common in premenopausal than in postmenopausal patients, and within those, mainly in negative ER tumours. Positive-NSN increases slightly in premenopausal patients (exclusively in negative ER tumours). NDF patients are similar in the 3 groups and in all of them it is much more frequent in negative ER tumours. Conclusion. SLN metastasis varies significantly according to hormonal state and not according to age, being more frequent in premenopausal patients and mainly in ER negative tumours(AU)

[Positive sentinel node risk in relation to oestrogen receptors in breast cancer in premenopausal and postmenopausal women]. / Relación entre el riesgo de metástasis en el ganglio centinela y los receptores estrogénicos en pacientes pre y posmenopáusicas con cáncer de mama.

OBJECTIVE: The influence of the relationship between pre- and post-menopausal stage of patients with breast cancer (BC) and the risk of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis as well as the influence of oestrogen receptor (ER) status within each one of these groups were analyzed. METHODS: A BC database with 1,388 patients was analysed. Three age groups were studied: A, elderly postmenopausal, 200 patients, ≥ 70 years old; B, younger postmenopausal, 89 patients, 55-69 years old; C, premenopausal, 85 patients, <55 years old. In each group 2 subgroups were analyzed: positive ER and negative ER tumours. Data analysed: SLN-positive patients, non-sentinel node (NSN)-positive patients, non-surgical detections (NSD) and non disease-free (NDF) patients after a follow-up of 52 months. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: chi-squared test, significance: P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: SLN metastasis was significantly (P<0.025) more common in premenopausal than in postmenopausal patients, and within those, mainly in negative ER tumours. Positive-NSN increases slightly in premenopausal patients (exclusively in negative ER tumours). NDF patients are similar in the 3 groups and in all of them it is much more frequent in negative ER tumours. CONCLUSION: SLN metastasis varies significantly according to hormonal state and not according to age, being more frequent in premenopausal patients and mainly in ER negative tumours.

Valoración del estado de ansiedad de los pacientes que reciben un tratamiento con radioyodo o son sometidos a una exploración de ganglio centinela en el servicio de Medicina Nuclear / Evaluation of the anxiety state in patients receiving radioiodine treatment or who undergo a sentinel lymph node examination in the Nuclear Medicine Department

ObjetivoAnalizar la presencia de ansiedad en pacientes derivados a un servicio de Medicina Nuclear (SMN).Material y métodoSe incluyeron 148 pacientes; 67 derivados para tratamiento con radioyodo, 48 con hipertiroidismo (HT), 19 con carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides (CDT) y 81 para detección y biopsia del ganglio centinela (GC) en carcinoma de mama (CM).Material y métodoSe rellenaron los siguientes documentos: datos de filiación, escala de ansiedad estado-rasgo, escala de factores predisponentes ansiógenos y cuestionario de información.Material y métodoSe estudiaron los factores predisponentes ansiógenos y la influencia de la información en el padecimiento de ansiedad.ResultadosUn 47% de los pacientes con HT tenían ansiedad en el momento de la visita, que no se relacionó con el nivel de información recibido. El factor que más les preocupaba era la administración de radioyodo. El hecho de ser la primera visita a un SMN se relacionó estadísticamente (p<0,05) con la aparición de ansiedad.ResultadosEl 42% de los pacientes con CDT tenían ansiedad en el momento de la visita, que no se relacionó con el nivel de información recibido. El factor que más les preocupaba era la propia enfermedad. Ningún factor fue relacionado estadísticamente con la aparición de ansiedad.ResultadosEl 53% de los pacientes con CM tenían ansiedad en el momento de la visita, que no se relacionó con el nivel de información recibido. El factor que más les preocupaba eran los resultados. El antecedente ansioso-depresivo se relacionó estadísticamente (p<0,05) con la aparición de ansiedad.ConclusiónLa cantidad de información proporcionada antes de un procedimiento en un SMN no influye en el padecimiento de ansiedad. No obstante, es nuestro deber dar la mejor información posible(AU)

ObjectiveTo analyze the presence of anxiety in patients referred to a Nuclear Medicine Department (NMD).Material and methodsA total of 148 patients were included: 67 were referred for radioiodine therapy, 48 with hyperthyroidism (HT), 19 with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), and 81 were referred for detection and biopsy of the sentinel node in breast cancer (BC).Material and methodsThe following documents were filled out: personal data, a state-trait anxiety inventory, a scale of pre-disposing factors causing anxiety and an information questionnaire.Material and methodsAnxiety-predisposing factors and the influence of the information on the presence of anxiety were studied.ResultsHT patients: 47% had anxiety in the moment of the visit that was not related to the level of information received. The factor that worried them the most was the radioiodine administration. Being the first visit to a NMD significantly influenced (p<0.05) on the presence of anxiety.ResultsDTC patients: 42% had anxiety in the moment of the visit not related to the level of information received. The factor that worried them the most was the illness itself. No factor had a significant influence on the presence of anxiety.ResultsBC patients: 53% had anxiety in the moment of the visit that was not related to the level of information received. What worried them the most were the results. Having anxiety and/or depression significantly influenced (p<0.05) the presence of anxiety.ConclusionThe quantity of information given before a procedure in a NMD does not influence on the presence of anxiety. Nevertheless, it is our duty to give the best possible information(AU)

[Evaluation of the anxiety state in patients receiving radioiodine treatment or who undergo a sentinel lymph node examination in the Nuclear Medicine Department]. / Valoración del estado de ansiedad de los pacientes que reciben un tratamiento con radioyodo o son sometidos a una exploración de ganglio centinela en el servicio de Medicina Nuclear.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the presence of anxiety in patients referred to a Nuclear Medicine Department (NMD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 148 patients were included: 67 were referred for radioiodine therapy, 48 with hyperthyroidism (HT), 19 with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), and 81 were referred for detection and biopsy of the sentinel node in breast cancer (BC). The following documents were filled out: personal data, a state-trait anxiety inventory, a scale of pre-disposing factors causing anxiety and an information questionnaire. Anxiety-predisposing factors and the influence of the information on the presence of anxiety were studied. RESULTS: HT patients: 47% had anxiety in the moment of the visit that was not related to the level of information received. The factor that worried them the most was the radioiodine administration. Being the first visit to a NMD significantly influenced (p<0.05) on the presence of anxiety. DTC patients: 42% had anxiety in the moment of the visit not related to the level of information received. The factor that worried them the most was the illness itself. No factor had a significant influence on the presence of anxiety. BC patients: 53% had anxiety in the moment of the visit that was not related to the level of information received. What worried them the most were the results. Having anxiety and/or depression significantly influenced (p<0.05) the presence of anxiety. CONCLUSION: The quantity of information given before a procedure in a NMD does not influence on the presence of anxiety. Nevertheless, it is our duty to give the best possible information.

Evaluación mediante mapas estadísticos paramétricos de los cambios de la perfusión cerebral en pacientes con estenosis de la arteria carótida sometidos a endarterectomía / Evaluation by “statistical parametric mapping” of the cerebral perfusion changes in patients with carotid artery stenosis after endarterectomy

La eficacia de la endarterectomía carotídea (EC) en los accidentes cerebrovasculares producidos por estenosis carotídea puede ser evaluada mediante la tomografía computarizada de emisión de fotón único de perfusión cerebral, utilizando SPM (statistical parametric mapping ‘mapas estadísticos paramétricos’).Material y métodosSe incluyeron en el estudio 12 pacientes con estenosis significativa de la arteria carótida que fueron sometidos a endarterectomía. A todos se les realizó un estudio de perfusión cerebral con 99mTc-etilen cisteinato dietilester (ECD) basal tras la endarterectomía. Mediante los SPM se comparó de forma independiente el estudio basal/poscirugía con el grupo control formado por 20 pacientes y se obtuvieron los correspondientes SPM. Se valoraron los cambios tanto en extensión (o número de vóxeles) como en intensidad (cambio en el valor de T) de las zonas significativamente hipoperfundidas y el sentido de estos cambios.ResultadosEn el grupo de 12 pacientes se observó una mejoría de la perfusión cerebral posquirúrgica, en 5 pacientes con disminución en la extensión de las zonas hipoperfundidas del 50,56% y de intensidad del 30,9% de media. Cuatro pacientes mostraron un aumento en la extensión de la hipoperfusión cerebral del 85,53% y de la intensidad del 34,21% de media. En tres pacientes no se apreciaron cambios significativos entre ambos estudios.ConclusionesEl SPM ha demostrado ser una herramienta útil que permite objetivar los cambios de flujo sanguíneo cerebral que se producen tras la intervención quirúrgica, valorando los cambios en extensión e intensidad de las zonas significativamente hipoperfundidas(AU)

The efficacy of carotid endartectomy (CE) in cerebrovascular accidents produced by carotid stenosis can be evaluated with the cerebral perfusion with single photon emission tomography, using statistical parametric mapping (SPM).Material and methodsTwelve patients with significant carotid stenosis who underwent endartectomy were included in the study. All underwent a cerebral perfusion study with 99mTc-etilen cisteinato dietilester (ECD) at baseline and after the endartectomy. Using SPM, the baseline/post-surgery study was compared independently with the control group made up of 20 patients and the corresponding parametric statistical mappings were obtained. Changes in extension (kE or voxel number) and intensity (change in the T value) of the significantly hypoperfused zones and direction of these changes were evaluated.ResultsIn the group of 12 patients, improvement of the post-surgical cerebral perfusion was observed in 5 patients with an average 50.56% decrease in the extension of the hypoperfused zones and average 30.9% decrease of intensity. Four patients showed an average 85.53% increase in the extension of cerebral hypoperfusion and of 34.21% in intensity. No significant changes between both studies were found in three patients.ConclusionsSPM has been shown to be a useful tool that makes it possible to objectify the cerebral brain flow changes produced after the surgical intervention, evaluating the changes in extension and intensity of the significantly hypoperfused zones(AU)

[Evaluation by "statistical parametric mapping" of the cerebral perfusion changes in patients with carotid artery stenosis after endarterectomy]. / Evaluación mediante mapas estadísticos paramétricos de los cambios de la perfusión cerebral en pacientes con estenosis de la arteria carótida sometidos a endarterectomía.

UNLABELLED: The efficacy of carotid endartectomy (CE) in cerebrovascular accidents produced by carotid stenosis can be evaluated with the cerebral perfusion with single photon emission tomography, using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve patients with significant carotid stenosis who underwent endartectomy were included in the study. All underwent a cerebral perfusion study with 99mTc-etilen cisteinato dietilester (ECD) at baseline and after the endartectomy. Using SPM, the baseline/post-surgery study was compared independently with the control group made up of 20 patients and the corresponding parametric statistical mappings were obtained. Changes in extension (k(E) or voxel number) and intensity (change in the T value) of the significantly hypoperfused zones and direction of these changes were evaluated. RESULTS: In the group of 12 patients, improvement of the post-surgical cerebral perfusion was observed in 5 patients with an average 50.56% decrease in the extension of the hypoperfused zones and average 30.9% decrease of intensity. Four patients showed an average 85.53% increase in the extension of cerebral hypoperfusion and of 34.21% in intensity. No significant changes between both studies were found in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: SPM has been shown to be a useful tool that makes it possible to objectify the cerebral brain flow changes produced after the surgical intervention, evaluating the changes in extension and intensity of the significantly hypoperfused zones.