Functional imaging in neuroendocrine tumors: assessment of molecular heterogeneity using [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [18 F]FDG PET/CT.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was evaluate the diagnostic performance of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [18 F]FDG PET/CT in patients with histologically proven neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), as well as the correlation of the visualized findings with the tumor grade. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 50 patients with NETs who underwent both [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [18 F]FDG PET/TC. The pooled sensitivity of both scans was compared, as well as [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [18 F]FDG for each tumor grade (grade 1/G1, grade 2/G2 and grade 3/G3). Also, the sensitivity of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [18 F]FDG as a function of the continuous variable Ki-67 was investigated. Finally, the number of lesions detected by both PET radiopharmaceuticals for each tumor grade was compared. RESULTS: The pooled sensitivity of both PET/CT (96%) was higher than [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC (84%) and [18 F]FDG (44%) separately, with statistically significant differences. The sensitivity of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC was higher than [18 F]FDG in both G1 (p = 0.004) and G2 (p < 0.001). In G3 the performance of both scans detected disease in 100% of this subgroup. The sensitivity of [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC and [18 F]FDG PET/CT correlated significantly with the Ki-67 proliferative index. In G2 patients the number of lesions detected with [68Ga]Ga-DOTA-TOC was higher than [18 F]FDG. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of both PET/CT, particularly in G2 and G3, demonstrates the molecular heterogeneity of metastatic NETs and contributes to the selection of a more appropriate treatment, particularly in those high-grade patients who may benefit from radionuclide therapy (PRRT).

Papel de los factores inflamatorios sistémicos en los tumores neuroendocrinos gastroenteropancreáticos (TNE-GEP) tratados con péptidos marcados con radionúclidos (PRRT): de la biología a la teragnosis / Role of systemic inflammatory factors in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) treated with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT): From biology to theragnosis

Objetivo Los índices inflamatorios sistémicos se han validado como indicadores de inflamación sistémica como marcadores predictivos de mal pronóstico para diversas enfermedades oncológicas. Sin embargo, se desconoce el impacto pronóstico de los marcadores de inflamación sistémica en pacientes con tumores neuroendocrinos gastroenteropancreáticos (TNE-GEP) tratados con péptidos marcados con radionúclidos (PRRT). Métodos Realizamos un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, multicéntrico de 40 pacientes con TNEs-GEP y TNE de origen desconocido tratados con PRRT entre el 2016 y el 2020. Los marcadores inflamatorios sistémicos se calcularon de la siguiente manera: relación neutrófilos a linfocitos (NLR)=recuento de neutrófilos/recuento de linfocitos, relación de monocitos a linfocitos (MLR)=recuento de monocitos/recuento de linfocitos, relación de plaquetas a linfocitos (PLR)=recuento de plaquetas/recuento de linfocitos, relación de albúmina a linfocitos (ALR)=niveles de albúmina/recuento de linfocitos y relación derivada de neutrófilos a linfocitos (dNLR)=recuento de neutrófilos/(recuento de leucocitos – recuento de neutrófilos). Se utilizaron datos analíticos basales pretratamiento y después de la segunda dosis para el cálculo de los distintos índices. Resultados La mediana de edad fue de 63 años (rango 41-85), el 55% eran hombres. Los valores de corte de referencia para NLR fueron 2,61, para MLR 0,31, para PLR 110,14, para ALR 2,39 y para dNLR 1,71. Los valores de corte después de la segunda dosis fueron, para NLR 2,3, para MLR 0,3, para PLR 131,61, ALR 4,16 y dNLR 1,48. La mediana de la sobrevivencia libre de progresión (SLP) fue de 21,7 meses (IC del 95%: 10,7-32,8 m) y la supervivencia global (SG) fue de 32,1 meses (IC del 95%: 19,6-44,7 m), la SLP fue más corta en pacientes con NLR elevado (p=0,001), ALR (0,03) y dNLR (p=0,001) en el análisis basal. La tasa de control de enfermedad (DCR) fue del 81% y la tasa de respuesta objetiva (ORR) del 18% (AU)

Aim Systemic inflammatory factors have been validated as indicators of ongoing systemic inflammation that could be predictive markers of poor prognosis for oncological outcomes. However, the prognostic impact of systemic inflammation markers is unknown in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) treated with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). Methods We conducted an observational, retrospective, multicentric study of 40 patients with GEP or unknown origin NETs treated with PRRT between 2016 and 2020. The systemic inflammatory markers were calculated as follows: neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR)=neutrophil count/lymphocyte count, monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR)=monocyte count/lymphocyte count, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR)=platelet count/lymphocyte count, albumin to lymphocyte ratio (ALR)=albumin levels/lymphocyte count and derived Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio (dNLR)=neutrophil count/(leucocytes count – neutrophils count). Baseline analysis and after the second dose were used for the calculation of different ratios. Results The median age was 63 years (range 41–85), 55% were male. The baseline cut-off values for NLR were 2.61, for MLR 0.31, for PLR 110.14, for ALR 2.39 and for dNLR 1.71. The cut-off values after the 2° dose were, for NLR 2.3, for MLR 0.3, for PLR 131.61, ALR 4.16, and dNLR 1.48. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 21.7 months (95% CI 10.7–32.8 months) and overall survival (OS) was 32.1 months (95% CI 19.6–44.7 months), PFS was shorter in patients with elevated NLR (P=0.001), ALR (0.03), and dNLR (P=0.001) in baseline analysis. DCR was 81% and ORR 18%. Conclusions In GEP or unknown origin NETs treated with PRRT, we have identified the predictive and prognostic impact of baseline systemic inflammatory factors (AU)

Descripción de un método de cuantificación diferente para la carga de amiloide (DPDload) y validación de SPECT/TC en amiloidosis cardíaca / Description of a different quantification method for amyloid burden (burdenDPD) and validation of SPECT/CT in cardiac amyloidosis

Introducción Los radiotrazadores con afinidad ósea como el [99mTc]Tc-DPD han demostrado una alta sensibilidad y especificidad en el diagnóstico no invasivo de la amiloidosis cardíaca (AC) por transtirretina (ATTR-AC). Este estudio tiene como objetivo validar el uso de la SPECT/TC y evaluar la utilidad de la cuantificación de la captación (cargaDPD) en el tejido miocárdico como información potencial sobre la carga amiloide. Métodos Se trata de un análisis retrospectivo de 46 pacientes con sospecha de AC, en el que 23 casos con ATTR-AC fueron sometidos a dos métodos de cuantificación para estimar la carga amiloide (cargaDPD) a través de imágenes planares y de una SPECT/TC. Resultados La SPECT/TC aportó un valor añadido significativo en el diagnóstico del paciente con AC (p<0,05). La estimación de la carga amiloide comprobó que la pared del VI más afectada es el tabique interventricular en la mayoría de los casos, y la existencia de una relación significativa entre la captación de Perugini y la carga de DPD. Conclusiones Validamos la necesidad de la SPECT/TC como complemento de la imagen planar en el diagnóstico de la AC-TTR. Por su parte, el cálculo de la carga amiloide continúa siendo un área de investigación compleja y requiere de más estudios, con un mayor número de pacientes, que permitan validar un método estandarizado de cuantificación de la carga de amiloide, tanto para el diagnóstico como para el seguimiento del tratamiento (AU)

Background Bone tracers such as [99mTc]Tc-DPD have shown high sensitivity and specificity in the non-invasive diagnosis of transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR-AC). This study aims to validate SPECT/CT and assess the usefulness of uptake quantification (burdenDPD) in the myocardial tissue as potential information on the amyloid burden. Methods In a retrospective analysis of 46 patients with suspected CA, 23 cases with ATTR-AC had two quantification methods conducted to estimate amyloid burden (burdenDPD) through planar scintigraphic scans and a SPECT/CT. Results SPECT/CT significantly provided an added value in the patient's diagnosis with CA (P<.05). The estimation of the amyloid burden substantiated that the most affected wall of the LV is the interventricular septum in most cases and the existence of a significant relationship between the Perugini score uptake and the burdenDPD. Conclusions We validate the need for SPECT/CT to complement planar imaging in diagnosing ATTR-AC. For its part, quantifying the amyloid load continues to be a complex area of research. It requires further studies with a larger number of patients to validate a standardized method of amyloid load quantification, both for diagnosis and treatment monitoring (AU)

Role of systemic inflammatory factors in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) treated with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT): From biology to theragnosis.

AIM: Systemic inflammatory factors have been validated as indicators of ongoing systemic inflammation that could be predictive markers of poor prognosis for oncological outcomes. However, the prognostic impact of systemic inflammation markers is unknown in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) treated with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT). METHODS: We conducted an observational, retrospective, multicentric study of 40 patients with GEP or unknown origin NETs treated with PRRT between 2016 and 2020. The systemic inflammatory markers were calculated as follows: neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR)=neutrophil count/lymphocyte count, monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR)=monocyte count/lymphocyte count, platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR)=platelet count/lymphocyte count, albumin to lymphocyte ratio (ALR)=albumin levels/lymphocyte count and derived Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio (dNLR)=neutrophil count/(leucocytes count - neutrophils count). Baseline analysis and after the second dose were used for the calculation of different ratios. RESULTS: The median age was 63 years (range 41-85), 55% were male. The baseline cut-off values for NLR were 2.61, for MLR 0.31, for PLR 110.14, for ALR 2.39 and for dNLR 1.71. The cut-off values after the 2° dose were, for NLR 2.3, for MLR 0.3, for PLR 131.61, ALR 4.16, and dNLR 1.48. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 21.7 months (95% CI 10.7-32.8 months) and overall survival (OS) was 32.1 months (95% CI 19.6-44.7 months), PFS was shorter in patients with elevated NLR (p=0.001), ALR (0.03), and dNLR (p=0.001) in baseline analysis. DCR was 81% and ORR 18%. CONCLUSIONS: In GEP or unknown origin NETs treated with PRRT, we have identified the predictive and prognostic impact of baseline systemic inflammatory factors.

Expresión inmunohistoquímica de VEGFR1 en carcinomas de pulmón de células no pequeñas: La expresión inferior de VEGFR1 se asocia con el subtipo de carcinoma de células escamosas y los valores elevados en SUVmáx en PET de 18F-FDG / Immunohistochemical expression of VEGFR1 in non small cell lung carcinomas: Lower VEGFR1 expression is asociated with squamous cell carcinoma subtype and high max SUV values in 18F-FDG PET

Antecedentes: Estudiar la posible relación entre la expresión inmunohistoquímica del receptor 1 del factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular (VEGFR1) y el valor máximo de captación estandarizada (SUVmáx) de la PET 18F-FDG en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas.Material y métodos:El estudio incluyó 39 pacientes con NSCLC (24 carcinomas de células escamosas y 15 adenocarcinomas). Según el estadio clínico, los pacientes se distribuyeron de la siguiente manera: 8 en estadio I, 7 en estadio II, 15 en estadio III y 9 en estadio IV. Se estudió la expresión inmunohistoquímica del VEGFR1 mediante la técnica de la matriz tisular utilizando el dispositivo de arreglo de tejidos (Beecher Instruments, Sun Prairie, WI), utilizando el anticuerpo policlonal contra el VEGFR1 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, California, EE. UU.).Resultados: Se observó una expresión inmunohistoquímica positiva del VEGFR1 en 23 casos (59%). El número de tumores positivos no se relacionó con el estadio clínico pero hubo una asociación estadísticamente significativa diferente (p: 0,0009) entre la positividad de VEGFR1 y el tipo histológico, correspondiendo los mayores porcentajes de resultados positivos a los adenocarcinomas (93,3%) frente a los carcinomas escamocelulares (37,5%). Asimismo, los valores SUVmáx fueron mayores (p: 0,039) en los carcinomas VEGFR1 negativos que en los tumores VEGFR1 positivos (r: 4-32,1; 16,4+/-6,4 [mediana 16,1] vs. r: 3-47; 14,5+/-8,6 [12,8]).Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados nos llevaron a considerar que en el CPCNP, la expresión inmunohistoquímica negativa de VEGFR1 se asocia significativamente con el subtipo de carcinomas de células escamosas y con valores SUVmáx más altos en 18F-FDG-PET (AU)

Background: To study the possible relation between immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and the maximum standardised uptake value (maxSUV) of 18F-FDG PET in patients with non small cell lung cancer.Material and methods: The study included 39 patients with NSCLC (24 squamous cell carcinomas and 15 adenocarcinomas). According to the clinical stage, the patients were distributed as follows: 8 stage I, 7 stage II, 15 stage III and 9 stage IV. Immunohistochemical expression of VEGFR1 was studied through the technique of tissue-matrix using tissue arrayer device (Beecher Instruments, Sun Prairie, WI), using the polyclonal antibody against VEGFR1 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, California, USA).Results: Positive VEGFR1 immunohistochemical expression was noted in 23 cases (59%). The number of positive tumours was not related with clinical stage but there was a different statistically significant association (p:.0009) between VEGFR1 positivity and histological type, corresponding the greater percentages of positive results to adenocarcinomas (93.3%) versus in squamous cell carcinomas (37.5%). Likewise, maxSUV values were higher (p: .039) in negative VEGFR1 carcinomas than in positive VEGFR1 tumors (r: 4-32.1; 16.4+/-6.4 [median 16.1] vs. r: 3-47; 14.5+/-8.6 [12.8]).Conclusions: Our results led us to consider that in NSCLC, the negative VEGFR1 immunohistochemical expression is associated significantly with squamous cell carcinomas subtype and with higher maxSUV values in 18F-FDG-PET (AU)

Immunohistochemical expression of VEGFR1 in non small cell lung carcinomas: Lower VEGFR1 expression is asociated with squamous cell carcinoma subtype and high SUV max values in 18F-FDG PET.

BACKGROUND: To study the possible relation between immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and the maximum standardised uptake value (SUV max) of 18F-FDG PET in patients with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 39 patients with NSCLC (24 squamous cell carcinomas and 15 adenocarcinomas). According to the clinical stage, the patients were distributed as follows: 8 stage I, 7 stage II, 15 stage III and 9 stage IV. Immunohistochemical expression of VEGFR1 was studied through the technique of tissue-matrix using Tissue Arrayer Device (Beecher Instruments, Sun Prairie, WI), using the polyclonal antibody against VEGFR1 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, California, USA). RESULTS: Positive VEGFR1 immunohistochemical expression was noted in 23 cases (59%). The number of positive tumours was not related with clinical stage but there was a different statistically significant association (p:0,0009) between VEGFR1 positivity and histological type, corresponding the greater percentages of positive results to adenocarcinomas (93,3%) versus in squamous cell carcinomas (37,5%). Likewise, SUV max values were higher (p: 0,039) in negative VEGFR1 carcinomas than in positive VEGFR1 tumors (r: 4-32,1; 16,4+/-6,4 (median 16,1) vs r: 3-47; 14,5+/-8,6 (12,8)). CONCLUSIONS: Our results led us to consider that in NSCLC, the negative VEGFR1 immunohistochemical expression is associated significantly with squamous cell carcinomas subtype and with higher SUV max values in 18F-FDG-PET.

18F-FDG PET/CT in cardiovascular infection and inflammation.

The diagnosis of cardiovascular infection and inflammation by [18F]FDG PET/CT in Nuclear Cardiology is of growing interest, because with respect to echocardiography this technique has improved the certainty in the diagnosis of infective endocarditis in patients with prosthetic valves, the increasing number of patients with implantable cardiac devices because of the progressive ageing of the population, as well as in patients with suspected large vessel vasculitis. All are serious clinical situations which require correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment as soon as possible, because they can cause severe complications, high mortality and also increased health care costs. We review the use of [18F]FDG PET/CT in cardiovascular infection and inflammation, including the clinical point of view and the contribution of other image modalities. We focus on the appropriate methodology for this exploration, patient preparation, image acquisition and correct interpretation and the quantification possibilities, defining the specific characteristics of the diagnosis in patients with prosthetic valves, implantable cardiac devices and large vessel vasculitis in the initial diagnosis as well as during follow-up to assess treatment response. We analyze the possible causes of false positive and false negative results and emphasize the special value of a multidisciplinary team for optimal management of these patients.

Immunohistochemical expression of VEGFR1 in non small cell lung carcinomas: Lower VEGFR1 expression is asociated with squamous cell carcinoma subtype and high max SUV values in 18F-FDG PET. / Expresión inmunohistoquímica de VEGFR1 en carcinomas de pulmón de células no pequeñas: La expresión inferior de VEGFR1 se asocia con el subtipo de carcinoma de células escamosas y los valores elevados en SUVmáx en PET de 18F-FDG.

BACKGROUND: To study the possible relation between immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1) and the maximum standardised uptake value (maxSUV) of 18F-FDG PET in patients with non small cell lung cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 39 patients with NSCLC (24 squamous cell carcinomas and 15 adenocarcinomas). According to the clinical stage, the patients were distributed as follows: 8 stage I, 7 stage II, 15 stage III and 9 stage IV. Immunohistochemical expression of VEGFR1 was studied through the technique of tissue-matrix using tissue arrayer device (Beecher Instruments, Sun Prairie, WI), using the polyclonal antibody against VEGFR1 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, California, USA). RESULTS: Positive VEGFR1 immunohistochemical expression was noted in 23 cases (59%). The number of positive tumours was not related with clinical stage but there was a different statistically significant association (p:.0009) between VEGFR1 positivity and histological type, corresponding the greater percentages of positive results to adenocarcinomas (93.3%) versus in squamous cell carcinomas (37.5%). Likewise, maxSUV values were higher (p: .039) in negative VEGFR1 carcinomas than in positive VEGFR1 tumors (r: 4-32.1; 16.4+/-6.4 [median 16.1] vs. r: 3-47; 14.5+/-8.6 [12.8]). CONCLUSIONS: Our results led us to consider that in NSCLC, the negative VEGFR1 immunohistochemical expression is associated significantly with squamous cell carcinomas subtype and with higher maxSUV values in 18F-FDG-PET.

Gammagrafía cardíaca con 99mTc-difosfonatos en la amiloidosis cardíaca / Cardiac scintigraphy with 99mTc-diphosphonates in cardiac amyloidosis

La amiloidosis cardíaca relacionada con el depósito de transtirretina (ATTR) ha sido tradicionalmente considerada como una enfermedad rara, de difícil diagnóstico y sin tratamiento. Sin embargo, en la actualidad sabemos que su prevalencia es mayor de la considerada, disponemos de métodos diagnósticos no invasivos y están apareciendo tratamientos eficaces. En este contexto, la gammagrafía cardíaca (GC) con difosfonatos marcados con 99mTc ha alcanzado un inusitado interés al mostrar alta sensibilidad y especificidad para el diagnóstico no invasivo y fiable de la ATTR. Este artículo, a modo de guía, pretende identificar los componentes críticos en la realización de la GC que resulten de utilidad en la práctica clínica diaria y, así, ayudar a los especialistas a utilizar los radiofármacos idóneos, obtener las imágenes más adecuadas, interpretar los resultados de estas y conocer los escenarios clínicos en los que resulta apropiado realizar la GC

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) has traditionally been considered a rare, difficult-to-diagnose and untreatable disease. However, its prevalence is known to be greater than what was previously thought, non-invasive diagnostic methods are available, and that effective treatments are emerging. In this context, cardiac scintigraphy (CS) with 99mTc-labelled diphosphonates has aroused a noticeable surge in interest by demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity for the reliable, non-invasive diagnosis of ATTR. By way of a guide, this article aims to identify the critical components in the performance of CS that are useful in everyday clinical practice and, thus, help specialists use optimal radiopharmaceuticals, obtain the most appropriate images, interpret the results thereof, and acquaint themselves with those clinical scenarios in which it is convenient to perform CS

Cardiac scintigraphy with 99mTc-diphosphonates in cardiac amyloidosis. / Gammagrafía cardíaca con 99mTc-difosfonatos en la amiloidosis cardíaca.

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) has traditionally been considered a rare, difficult-to-diagnose and untreatable disease. However, its prevalence is known to be greater than what was previously thought, non-invasive diagnostic methods are available, and that effective treatments are emerging. In this context, cardiac scintigraphy (CS) with 99mTc-labelled diphosphonates has aroused a noticeable surge in interest by demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity for the reliable, non-invasive diagnosis of ATTR. By way of a guide, this article aims to identify the critical components in the performance of CS that are useful in everyday clinical practice and, thus, help specialists use optimal radiopharmaceuticals, obtain the most appropriate images, interpret the results thereof, and acquaint themselves with those clinical scenarios in which it is convenient to perform CS.

Gammagrafía de inervación simpática cardiaca con 123I-metayodobencilguanidina. Fundamento, protocolos y aplicaciones clínicas en Cardiología / Cardiac sympathetic innervation scintigraphy with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine. Basis, protocols and clinical applications in Cardiology

La obtención de imágenes de la inervación simpática cardiaca solo es posible mediante técnicas de cardiología nuclear, y su valoración es de importancia decisiva en la evaluación y en la toma de decisiones en pacientes en los que exista deterioro de inervación simpática. Se revisa el fundamento de la gammagrafía de inervación simpática cardiaca con 123I-metayodobencilguanidina (123I-MIBG), los protocolos recomendados para su realización, incluyendo preparación del paciente, técnicas de obtención y cuantificación de imágenes, reproducibilidad, consideraciones dosimétricas, etc. , analizando las indicaciones clínicas de esta exploración en pacientes cardiológicos, principalmente en insuficiencia cardiaca, arritmias, coronariopatía, cardiotoxicidad, contribución a la indicación y seguimiento de respuesta a dispositivos de estimulación cardiaca, tratamiento farmacológico, trasplante cardiaco y otros

Imaging of cardiac sympathetic innervation is only possible by nuclear cardiology techniques and its assessment is key in the evaluation of and decision-making for patients with cardiac sympathetic impairment. This review includes the basis of cardiac sympathetic scintigraphy with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG), recommended protocols, patient preparation, image acquisition and quantification, reproducibility, dosimetry, etc. , and also the clinical indications for cardiac patients, mainly with regard to heart failure, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, cardiotoxicity, including its contribution to establishing the indication for and monitoring the response to implantable cardiac devices, pharmacological treatment, heart transplantation and other

Cardiac sympathetic innervation scintigraphy with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine. Basis, protocols and clinical applications in Cardiology. / Gammagrafía de inervación simpática cardiaca con 123I-metayodobencilguanidina. Fundamento, protocolos y aplicaciones clínicas en Cardiología.

Imaging of cardiac sympathetic innervation is only possible by nuclear cardiology techniques and its assessment is key in the evaluation of and decision-making for patients with cardiac sympathetic impairment. This review includes the basis of cardiac sympathetic scintigraphy with 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG), recommended protocols, patient preparation, image acquisition and quantification, reproducibility, dosimetry, etc., and also the clinical indications for cardiac patients, mainly with regard to heart failure, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, cardiotoxicity, including its contribution to establishing the indication for and monitoring the response to implantable cardiac devices, pharmacological treatment, heart transplantation and other.

Síndrome de web axilar secundario a la biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela en cáncer de mama / Axillary web syndrome following sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer

Paciente de 49 años diagnosticada de carcinoma lobulillar infiltrante de mama derecha, intervenida mediante mastectomía y biopsia selectiva de ganglio centinela (BSGC). Los ganglios linfáticos centinela resecados fueron negativos para malignidad, motivo por el cual no fue necesaria la realización de linfadenectomía axilar. En el periodo posquirúrgico temprano la paciente presentó una sensación de tensión cutánea en el hueco axilar asociada a un cordón palpable doloroso, manifestación típica del síndrome de web axilar (SWA), una complicación poco conocida de las intervenciones quirúrgicas axilares, tanto invasivas como conservadoras. Mediante la presentación de este caso queremos centrar la atención en una entidad patológica cuya incidencia podemos estar infravalorando al no incluirla en estudios prospectivos de BSGC. Es importante que los médicos nucleares seamos conscientes de la existencia del SWA como una posible consecuencia de la BSGC, más frecuente que la infección, el seroma o el linfedema y de que debemos informar a los pacientes que firman el consentimiento (AU)

A 49 year-old woman diagnosed with infiltrating lobular breast carcinoma, underwent a right mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy (SLNB). The resected sentinel lymph nodes were negative for malignancy, with an axillary lymphadenectomy not being performed. In the early post-operative period, the patient reported an axillary skin tension sensation, associated with a painful palpable cord. These are typical manifestations of axillary web syndrome (AWS), a poorly known axillary surgery complication, from both invasive and conservative interventions. By presenting this case we want to focus the attention on a pathological condition, for which its incidence may be underestimated by not including it in SLNB studies. It is important for nuclear medicine physicians to be aware of AWS as a more common complication than infection, seroma, or lymphoedema, and to discuss this possible event with the patient who is consenting to the procedure (AU)

Axillary web syndrome following sentinel node biopsy for breast cancer. / Síndrome de web axilar secundario a la biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela en cáncer de mama.

A 49 year-old woman diagnosed with infiltrating lobular breast carcinoma, underwent a right mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy (SLNB). The resected sentinel lymph nodes were negative for malignancy, with an axillary lymphadenectomy not being performed. In the early post-operative period, the patient reported an axillary skin tension sensation, associated with a painful palpable cord. These are typical manifestations of axillary web syndrome (AWS), a poorly known axillary surgery complication, from both invasive and conservative interventions. By presenting this case we want to focus the attention on a pathological condition, for which its incidence may be underestimated by not including it in SLNB studies. It is important for nuclear medicine physicians to be aware of AWS as a more common complication than infection, seroma, or lymphoedema, and to discuss this possible event with the patient who is consenting to the procedure.

Infarto de miocardio silente diagnosticado por SPECT de perfusión miocárdica en mujer joven con lupus eritematoso sistémico / Silent myocardial infarction diagnosed by myocardial perfusion SPECT in a young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus

La ateroesclerosis prematura y su consecuente enfermedad coronaria tienen un papel fundamental en los pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico, incluso en las mujeres premenopáusicas, siendo unas de las principales causas de mortalidad en el lupus de larga evolución. Presentamos el caso de una mujer premenopáusica de 42 años, fumadora, con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial, colecistectomía y lupus de 23 años de evolución, en tratamiento con AINE, esteroides y antipalúdicos. La paciente acude por dolor opresivo precordial con moderados esfuerzos. Ante la sospecha de cardiopatía isquémica se inicia estudio cardiológico y se realiza una SPECT de perfusión miocárdica que objetivó un defecto de perfusión intenso y extenso anteroapical, con muy ligera reperfusión en las imágenes de reposo, compatible con el diagnóstico de infarto agudo en la región apical e isquemia en el territorio de la arteria descendente anterior, confirmada por el cateterismo cardíaco(AU)

Premature atherosclerosis and its consequent heart disease play a crucial role in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, even in premenopausal women. It is one of the leading causes of death in long evolution lupus. We present the case of a 42-year-old premenopausal woman, smoker, with a history of hypertension, cholecystectomy and lupus for 23 years, treated with NSAID, steroids and antimalarial drugs. The patient consulted due to chest pain on moderate efforts. Due to the suspicion of ischemic heart disease, a cardiology study was initiated, performing a myocardial perfusion SPECT. This revealed an intense and extensive anterolateral perfusion defect, with very light reperfusion in rest images, consistent with the diagnosis of acute infarction in the apical region and ischemia in the territory of the left anterior descending artery, which was confirmed later by cardiac catheterization(AU)

[Silent myocardial infarction diagnosed by myocardial perfusion SPECT in a young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus]. / Infarto de miocardio silente diagnosticado por SPECT de perfusión miocárdica en mujer joven con lupus eritematoso sistémico.

Premature atherosclerosis and its consequent heart disease play a crucial role in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, even in premenopausal women. It is one of the leading causes of death in long evolution lupus. We present the case of a 42-year-old premenopausal woman, smoker, with a history of hypertension, cholecystectomy and lupus for 23 years, treated with NSAID, steroids and antimalarial drugs. The patient consulted due to chest pain on moderate efforts. Due to the suspicion of ischemic heart disease, a cardiology study was initiated, performing a myocardial perfusion SPECT. This revealed an intense and extensive anterolateral perfusion defect, with very light reperfusion in rest images, consistent with the diagnosis of acute infarction in the apical region and ischemia in the territory of the left anterior descending artery, which was confirmed later by cardiac catheterization.

Hipertensión arterial pulmonar secundaria a tromboembolismo crónico como causa de disnea: a propósito de un caso / Pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to chronic thromboembolism as a cause of dyspnea: a case report

El tromboembolismo pulmonar es una patología relativamente frecuente y su diagnóstico sigue siendo hoy en día un grave problema en la práctica clínica diaria. Para realizarlo se combinan habitualmente la sospecha clínica con pruebas de imagen, como la gammagrafía de ventilación/perfusión, la tomografía computarizada y, en ocasiones, la angiografía. En el tromboembolismo agudo, la frecuencia de hipertensión pulmonar es elevada, mientras que un porcentaje mucho menor desarrolla hipertensión arterial pulmonar crónica. Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 81 años con antecedentes de hipertensión arterial y cardiopatía hipertensiva que tras un episodio de sensación de fatiga y disnea intensa y de la realización de las pruebas complementarias pertinentes fue diagnosticada de hipertensión arterial pulmonar crónica secundaria a tromboembolismo pulmonar. Estos enfermos habitualmente presentan un curso de deterioro progresivo y un pronóstico muy pobre a corto plazo (AU)

Pulmonary embolism is a relatively frequent disease and its diagnosis continues to be a serious problem in the daily clinical practice. For its diagnosis, clinical suspicion is usually combined with other imaging tests, such as ventilation/perfusion lung scan, computed tomography (CT) and sometimes angiography. In acute thromboembolism, frequency of pulmonary hypertension is elevated while a much lower percentage develops chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension. We present the case of an 81-year-old woman with a background of arterial hypertension and hypertensive heart disease, who, after an episode of intense fatigue and breathlessness, and carrying out the pertinent complementary tests, was diagnosed of pulmonary hypertension secondary to chronic pulmonary thromboembolism. These patients usually follow a course of progressive deterioration and have a poor short-term prognosis (AU)