18F-DCFPyL PET/CT guidelines.

The objective of this guide is to provide to nuclear medicine physicians a tool based on scientific evidence and prepared by consensus of experts, to perform the 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT procedure with safely and efficiently for patients with prostate cancer who present PSMA overexpression. For them, some recommendations will be established for 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT examination: reconstruction parameters, presentation of the images and their interpretation. The possible false positives of the procedure will be analysed, how to interpret them and how to avoid them. Finally, all exploration should lead to the preparation of a report that answers the clinician's question. For this, it is recommended to prepare a structured report that includes the PROMISE criteria as well as the classification of the findings according to PSMA-RADS parameters.

Usefulness of 18F-Choline Positron Emission Tomography - Computed Tomography in the therapeutic management of patients with biochemical recurrence of prostate adenocarcinoma treated with brachytherapy. / Utilidad de la tomografía de emisión de positrones / tomografía computarizada con 18F-colina en el manejo terapéutico de pacientes con recidiva bioquímica de adenocarcinoma de próstata tratados con braquiterapia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of 18F-choline PET/CT in biochemically recurrent prostate cancer patients treated with brachytherapy, as well as to assess the changes in therapeutic management derived from its outcome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 20 patients between 51 and 78 years old, with a history of prostate adenocarcinoma that had been treated with brachytherapy and presented biochemical recurrence (PSA 3.1-12 ng/ml) and staging tests (CT and bone scan) without alterations, were included. The findings visualized in the PET/CT scan with 18F-choline were correlated with the histopathology and/or the evolution of the PSA after therapy. RESULTS: 18F-choline PET/CT scan only detected local recurrence in 15 patients. Local and regional recurrences were seen in 4 patients, and 1 patient presented local and bone recurrence. Local recurrence detected in PET was confirmed by anatomopathological studies in 85% of the cases. In one patient, these findings (PET scan) turned out to be prostatitis, and it could not be confirmed in another patient. Of the cases with local and regional recurrence, local recurrence was histologically confirmed in 3 out of 4 patients. 18F-choline PET/CT changed the therapeutic management in 25% of the patients, discarding the initially planned salvage surgery in 3 cases, 1 radiotherapy and 1 brachytherapy. CONCLUSION: 18F-choline PET/CT could be a useful technique in the group of patients with biochemical recurrence after brachytherapy, providing locoregional and distant involvement findings which had not been detected with conventional imaging tests, thus determining a more adequate therapeutic management.

Diagnosis of metastasis in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients: decision algorithm in imaging tests. / Diagnóstico de metástasis en pacientes con cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración: algoritmo de decisión en pruebas de imagen.

INTRODUCTION: In castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), early detection of metastases is essential for the selection of treatment, and prevention of bone complications. However detecting incipient metastases remains a challenge as the conventional radiological tests (bone scintigraphy or computerised tomography) lack sufficient sensitivity. Diagnostic imaging techniques are currently available that have greater sensitivity and specificity, but are little used due to shortfalls in the recommendations. OBJECTIVE: To create an algorithm that indicates the most suitable diagnostic imaging techniques for the different M0 CRPC patient profiles based on the scientific evidence. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Meetings were held with eight experts in Urology, Pathological Anatomy, Radiodiagnostics and Nuclear Medicine organised by the Andalusian Association of Urology, in which the recommendations and scientific evidence on each of the diagnostic imaging techniques were reviewed. SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE: We present the current recommendations for the detection of metastasis in M0 CRPC patients, the patients that would benefit from early detection, and summarise the evidence to support the use of each of the new techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Techniques such as 18F-Choline PET/CT or DWWB MRI and probably open MRI have been demonstrated to have good sensitivity and specificity for patients with low PSA (<10ng/ml). Their inclusion in routine clinical practice will help improve the early detection of metastasis in CRPC patients.

Radioisotope synoviorthesis in paediatric and adolescent patients with haemophilia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome and adverse-effects of the radioisotope synoviorthesis in paediatric and adolescent patients with haemophilia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of historical cohort was conducted. A total of 20 consecutive haemophiliacs with a mean age of 13.1 years (range 4-17) were included with a mean follow-up of 64.9 months (range 18-109). The diagnosis of synovitis was established on the basis of clinical follow-up including radiological images (radiography and/or MRI). For evaluation, the classification proposed by Fernandez-Palazzi was used. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients aged less than 18 years old with haemophilia and more than one haemarthrosis in less than 3 months remaining a chronic synovitis despite prophylactic therapy intensification. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Any contraindication for radionuclide synoviorthesis. Twenty-seven radioisotope synoviorthesis with (90)Y-citrate-colloid and/or (186)Re-sulphide-colloid were done. The effectiveness of the procedure was assessed through pre and posttreatment clinical comparison at 6 months after radioisotope synoviorthesis. RESULTS: Nineteen of the 27 synoviorthesis (70.3%) had a good or excellent response and 8 joints (29.7%) had partial response. It was necessary to repeat the procedure in 3 joints in 3 different patients, obtaining in all cases a good or excellent response. We appreciated inflammatory reaction after procedure in 4 cases (14.8%), which improved with analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflamatory drugs. None of the patients presented malignant or premalignant lesions during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The radionuclide synoviorthesis is a very effective procedure in paediatric and adolescent patients with hemophilia, being a minimally invasive procedure, easy to perform, safe and with minimal side effects.

The role of 18FDG, 18FDOPA PET/CT and 99mTc bone scintigraphy imaging in Erdheim-Chester disease.

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocitosis, characterized by multisystemic xanthogranulomatous infiltration by foamy histiocytes that stain positively for CD68 marker but not express CD1a and S100 proteins. Etiology and pathogenesis are still unknown and only about 500 cases are related in the literature. Multisystemic involvement leads to a wide variety of clinical manifestations that results in a poor prognosis although recent advances in treatment. We present the clinical, nuclear medicine findings and therapeutic aspects of a serie of 6 patients with histopathological diagnosis of ECD, who have undergone both bone scintigraphy (BS) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG)-PET/CT scans in our institution. A complementary 18F-fluorodopa (18FDOPA)-PET/CT was performed in one case. Three different presentations of the disease were observed in our casuistic: most indolent form was a cutaneous confined disease, presented in only one patient. Multifocal involvement with central nervous system (CNS) preservation was observed in two patients. Most aggressive form consisted in a systemic involvement with CNS infiltration, presented in three patients. In our experience neurological involvement, among one case with isolate pituitary infiltration, was associated with mortality in all cases. 18FDG-PET/CT and BS were particularly useful in despite systemic involvement; locate the site for biopsy and the treatment response evaluation. By our knowledge, 18FDOPA-PET/CT not seems useful in the initial staging of ECD. A baseline 18FDG-PET/CT and BS may help in monitoring the disease and could be considered when patients were incidentally diagnosed and periodically 18FDG-PET/CT must be performed in the follow up to evaluate treatment response.

[Unsuspected bronchial carcinoid tumor detected in a somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in a patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 1 and hypergastrinemia]. / Hallazgo incidental de un tumor carcinoide bronquial en gammagrafía de receptores de somatostatina de paciente con síndrome de neoplasia endocrina múltiple tipo 1 e hipergastrinemia.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 syndrome (MEN1) is characterized by the presence of tumors in parathyroid glands, anterior pituitary gland, endocrine pancreas and duodenum. However, other tumors may also occur. One of them is the carcinoid tumor, which in this context, is more common in the gastrointestinal tract. Less common is the presence of carcinoid tumors of bronchial origin, which with histologic confirmation, may occur in 5-8% of cases and that appears more frequently in patients with hypergastrinemia. We report a patient with MEN1 syndrome, hypergastrinemia and an incidental finding in a somatostatin receptor scintigraphy of an unsuspected bronchial carcinoid tumor that was confirmed histologically.

Value of the negative PET-FDG in the middle term follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer in patients with negative 131 I-Na scan and elevated thyroglobulin serum levels.

OBJECTIVE: This study has aimed to analyze the evolution of patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) with a negative (131)I-Na whole body scan (WBS), high levels of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and negative (18F)fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET-FDG) study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients diagnosed and treated for DTC were studied retrospectively. Patients were aged between 23 and 83 and had shown, between January 2001 and December 2002, negative WBS, Tg values in a range of suspected recurrence or metastasis (Tg>2 ng / mL with thyroid hormone withdrawal) and a negative PET-FDG study. The patients were monitored clinically, radiologically and analytically for a minimum period of 4 years. After this, a new evaluation was made of their state of disease with a control WBS, also observing the evolution of Tg. All WBS were performed with a 185 MBq diagnostic dose of (131)I-Na. RESULTS: In 18/23 patients, Tg decreased and in 5 it increased. Four patients (17%) were free of active disease (negative WBS Tg<2 ng / mL). A total of 16 patients (70%) were free of disease according to the WBS but had elevated Tg. Three patients (13%) had disease and high levels of Tg, two of them with positive WBS and the third with (99m)Tc-MIBI scan and CT positive. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with a negative WBS, high Tg serum levels and negative FDG PET had good evolution, with descending Tg levels, normal levels even being reached in a significant percentage of them.

Validación del renograma con estímulo diurético inmediato / Validation of the renogram with immediate diuretic stimulus

Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la fiabilidad diagnóstica del renograma con estímulo diurético a la vez que la administración de la dosis comparando dos grupos de 59 pacientes cada uno (F0 y F+10) para identificar a aquellos pacientes susceptibles de ser tratados con cirugía. Material y métodos Estudio retrospectivo de dos grupos de 59 pacientes cada uno a los que se les efectuó renograma con estímulo diurético (furosemida) por sospecha de obstrucción ureteropiélica o ureterovesical, utilizando 99mTc-mercaptoacetylglicina. En el primero se aplicó el estímulo diurético a los 600 s de la administración de la dosis del radiotrazador (F+10). En el segundo se efectuó simultáneamente a la administración de la dosis (F0). Para la interpretación se valoró el análisis visual de las imágenes, los parámetros de las curvas y el porcentaje de eliminación tras modificación con la gravedad y micción. Se realizó análisis estadístico de los datos. Resultados El renograma F+10 muestra una sensibilidad del 96,7%, especificidad del 96,1%, valor predictivo positivo del 90,6% y valor predictivo negativo del 98,6%. El renograma F0 muestra una sensibilidad del 95,2%, especificidad del 98,9%, valor predictivo positivo del 95,2% y valor predictivo negativo del 98,9%. Conclusión La realización de renograma mediante la administración de estímulo diurético al mismo tiempo que la administración del radiofármaco es un método útil y cómodo en pacientes de edad pediátrica, y no supone una merma significativa en los parámetros de eficacia de la prueba en la selección de pacientes para intervención quirúrgica(AU)

Objective The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic reliability of the renogram with diuretic stimulus simultaneously at the administration of the dose, comparing two groups of 59 patients each one (F0 and F+10), to select patients for surgery. Material and Methods This is an retrospective study about two groups of 59 patients to whom the diuretic renogram was carried out by stimulus (furosemide), by suspicion of ureteropelvic or vesicoureteral obstruction, using 99mTc-Mercaptoacetylglicine. In the first one, the study was conducted applying the diuretic stimulus 600 seconds after the administration of the dose of the radiotracer (F+10). In the second one it was carried out simultaneously to the administration (F0). For the interpretation there was used the visual analysis, the parameters of the curves and the percentage of elimination after modification by the severity and micturition. Statistical analysis of the information was made. Results The F+10 renogram shows a sensitivity of 96,7%, specificity of 96,1%, positive predictive value of 90,6%, and a negative predictive value of 98,6%. The F0 renogram shows a sensitivity of 95,2%, specificity of 98,9%, positive predictive value of 95,2%, and a negative predictive value of 98,9%. Conclusion The performance of renogram by means of the administration of diuretic stimulus at the same time as the administration of the radiotracer is a useful and comfortable method in paediatric patients, not supposing a significant wastage in the parameters of efficiency of the test in the patients selection for surgery(AU)

[Validation of the renogram with immediate diuretic stimulus]. / Validación del renograma con estímulo diurético inmediato.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the diagnostic reliability of the renogram with diuretic stimulus simultaneously at the administration of the dose, comparing two groups of 59 patients each one (F0 and F+10), to select patients for surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an retrospective study about two groups of 59 patients to whom the diuretic renogram was carried out by stimulus (furosemide), by suspicion of ureteropelvic or vesicoureteral obstruction, using (99m)Tc-Mercaptoacetylglicine. In the first one, the study was conducted applying the diuretic stimulus 600 seconds after the administration of the dose of the radiotracer (F+10). In the second one it was carried out simultaneously to the administration (F0). For the interpretation there was used the visual analysis, the parameters of the curves and the percentage of elimination after modification by the severity and micturition. Statistical analysis of the information was made. RESULTS: The F+10 renogram shows a sensitivity of 96,7%, specificity of 96,1%, positive predictive value of 90,6%, and a negative predictive value of 98,6%. The F0 renogram shows a sensitivity of 95,2%, specificity of 98,9%, positive predictive value of 95,2%, and a negative predictive value of 98,9%. CONCLUSION: The performance of renogram by means of the administration of diuretic stimulus at the same time as the administration of the radiotracer is a useful and comfortable method in paediatric patients, not supposing a significant wastage in the parameters of efficiency of the test in the patients selection for surgery.

Pacientes tratados por carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides con rastreos de 131I negativos y niveles de tiroglobulina elevada. Una evolución posible / Patients treated for differentiated thyroid cancer with negative 131i whole-body scanning and elevated thyroglobulin levels. A possible course

Objetivo. Constatar la existencia de pacientes con carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides (CDT) tratados que en el seguimiento presentan rastreos negativos con tiroglobulina (Tg) elevada y evolucionan hacia la normalización sin otras actuaciones terapéuticas.Material y métodos. Revisión retrospectiva de los exámenes periódicos de 725 pacientes con CDT, analizando los niveles de Tg sérica determinados con IRMA anualmente en tratamiento hormonal y cada 1-5 años en ausencia de tratamiento hormonal, previo a rastreos con 131I. Seguimiento mínimo de 2 años. Se seleccionaron y se analizaron las características de aquellos que presentaron en su evolución niveles elevadosde Tg (>3 ng/ml), rastreos negativos y otras pruebas de imagen negativas en los que se normalizó la cifra de Tg sin tratamiento médico-quirúrgico específico (grupo I), y de aquellos en los que no se normalizó la cifra de Tg (grupo II). Resultados. Se encontraron 130 pacientes (17,93 %) con niveles elevados de Tg y rastreos negativos. Grupo I: 31 pacientes (4,28 %), 11 hombres y 20 mujeres; edad media en el momento del diagnóstico de 33,4 años (rango: 5-60 años); seguimiento medio: 12,4 años (+/-7,4). Histología: 27 tumores papilares, 4 foliculares. Dosis media de ablación 3,260 GBq (88,1 mCi); dosis total media de 131I 6,850 GBq (185,13 mCi). Normalización de la Tg en una media de 8,2 años. Grupo II: 99 pacientes (13,65 %), 27 hombres y 72 mujeres; edad media de 40,4 años (rango 7-76); seguimiento medio: 9,8 años (rango 2-28 años). Histología: 86 tumores papilares y 13 tumores foliculares. Dosis media de ablación de 3,266 GBq (88,28 mCi) y dosis total media de 9,363 GBq (253,06 mCi). Dos de los pacientes del grupo I presentaron fluordesoxiglucosa-F18 (PETFDG) negativo. Se detectaron 13 pacientes en los que se constató un descenso progresivo de los niveles de Tg sin llegar a la normalización con PET-FDG negativo. Conclusiones. En pacientes con CDT irradiado, es posible la normalización diferida de los niveles de la Tg. Los tratamientos empíricos no pueden ser considerados como único factor que contribuye a este resultado

Objective. To verify the existence of patients with treated differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with negative 131I whole-body scanning (WBS) and high serum thyroglobulin (Tg) in the follow-up who evolve towards normalization without other therapy interventions. Material and methods. Retrospective revision of the periodic examinations established in the protocol for patients with DTC, analyzing the levels of Tg found with IRMA annually in those with hormonal treatment and every 1-5 years in absence of previous hormonal treatment to WBS. Minimum surveillance of 2 years. Those who had elevated levels of Tg and WBS and other negative imaging tests in their course were selected. The characteristics of the patients selected were analysed in those whose Tg levels evolved to normalization without specific medical or surgical treatment (Group I) and those who did not reach normalization of Tg (Group II). Results. A total of 130 patients (17.93 %) with high levels of Tg and negative WBS were detected. Group I: 31 patients (4.28 %), 11 men and 20 women; average age at the moment of the diagnosis of 33.4 years (rank: 5-60); average surveillance: 12.4 years (+/-7.4). Histology: 27 papillary and 4 follicular carcinoma. Average ablation dose: 3.260 GBq (88,1 mCi); average total I131 dose: 6.850 GBq (185.13 mCi). Tg normalization average time: 8.2 years. Group II: 99 patients (13.65 %), 27 men and 72 women. Average age of 40.4 years (rank: 7-76). Average surveillance: 9.8 years. Histology: 86 papillary and 13 follicular carcinoma. Average ablation dose: 3.266 GBq (88.28 mCi); average total 131I dose: 9.363 GBq (253,06 mCi). Two of the patients in group I had negative PET-FDG. There were 13 patients in whom progressive reduction of the levels of thyroglobulin without reaching normalization with negative PET-FDG was detected. Conclusions. In patients with radiated DTC, deferred normalization of the levels of the serum thyroglobulin is possible. Empirical treatments cannot be considered the only factor that contributes to this result, which can occur without the administration of high-doses of 131I

[Patients treated for differentiated thyroid cancer with negative 131I whole-body scans and elevated thyroglobulin levels: a possible course]. / Pacientes tratados por carcinoma diferenciado de tiroides con rastreos de 131I negativos y niveles de tiroglobulina elevada. Una evolución posible.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the existence of patients with treated differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with negative 131I whole-body scanning (WBS) and high serum thyroglobulin (Tg) in the follow-up who evolve towards normalization without other therapy interventions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective revision of the periodic examinations established in the protocol for patients with DTC, analyzing the levels of Tg found with IRMA annually in those with hormonal treatment and every 1-5 years in absence of previous hormonal treatment to WBS. Minimum surveillance of 2 years. Those who had elevated levels of Tg and WBS and other negative imaging tests in their course were selected. The characteristics of the patients selected were analysed in those whose Tg levels evolved to normalization without specific medical or surgical treatment (Group I) and those who did not reach normalization of Tg (Group II). RESULTS: A total of 130 patients (17.93 %) with high levels of Tg and negative WBS were detected. Group I: 31 patients (4.28 %), 11 men and 20 women; average age at the moment of the diagnosis of 33.4 years (rank: 5-60); average surveillance: 12.4 years (+/- 7.4). HISTOLOGY: 27 papillary and 4 follicular carcinoma. Average ablation dose: 3.260 GBq (88,1 mCi); average total I131 dose: 6.850 GBq (185.13 mCi). Tg normalization average time: 8.2 years. Group II: 99 patients (13.65 %), 27 men and 72 women. Average age of 40.4 years (rank: 7-76). Average surveillance: 9.8 years. HISTOLOGY: 86 papillary and 13 follicular carcinoma. Average ablation dose: 3.266 GBq (88.28 mCi); average total 131I dose: 9.363 GBq (253,06 mCi). Two of the patients in group I had negative PET-FDG. There were 13 patients in whom progressive reduction of the levels of thyroglobulin without reaching normalization with negative PET-FDG was detected. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with radiated DTC, deferred normalization of the levels of the serum thyroglobulin is possible. Empirical treatments cannot be considered the only factor that contributes to this result, which can occur without the administration of high-doses of 131I.

[Recombinant human thyrotropin in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma]. / La TSH humana recombinante en el seguimiento de pacientes con cáncer diferenciado de tiroides.

PURPOSE: To determine the value of the use of radio-iodine scanning diagnostic and radio-iodine therapy during the follow-up of advanced differentiated thyroid cancer without stopping thyroid hormone suppression therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed 7 radio-iodine scans and 4 radioiodine therapies in 5 men and 1 woman, aged 39 to 79 years. Five patients had papillary thyroid cancer and one follicular thyroid cancer. Human recombinant thyrotropin was given intramuscularly at a dose of 0.9 mg/ml once a day for two days. Twenty-four hours after the second dose, serum thyrotropin, thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroglobulin autoantibodies were measured and each patient was given 2 mCi of 131I in postsurgery scans and 5 mCi of 131I in patients previously treated with 131I. Whole-body scans were obtained within 54 hours of injection and in the cases of diagnostic uncertainty a second scan was performed 72 hours after the injection. RESULTS: Four scans were positive and two were negative. One positive scan patient was not treated due to a serious clinical condition. An effective increase of serum TSH was observed in all 6 patients. Four patients had an effective increase of serum Tg; the other 2 cases had a decrease of serum Tg: One case was undifferentiated and in the other case the mass was smaller after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: rhTSH is an effective means of stimulating TSH levels and allowing scan and/or radioiodine treatment. rhTSH has no significant adverse effects. The use of rhTSH avoids all the disadvantages of hypothyroidism and maintains quality of life.

La TSH humana recombinante en el seguimiento de pacientes con cáncer diferenciado de tiroides / Recombinant human thyrotropin in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Objetivo: Estimar el valor del uso de TSH humana recombinante (rhTSH), para el rastreo y tratamiento con I 131 en pacientes con CDT avanzado, en los que se desaconseja la interrupción de toma exógena de hormonas tiroideas.Material y métodos: Se realizan 7 rastreos y 4 tratamientos con I 131, en cinco hombres y una mujer, edad de 39 a 79 años.5 con carcinoma papilar de tiroides y 1 con carcinoma folicular.Pauta de administración de rhTSH: dos inyecciones intramusculares de 0,9 mg/ml, separadas 24 horas, a las 24 horas de la segunda inyección se determina en suero TSH, Tg y AbTg y se administra dosis trazadora de I131 (2 mCi en rastreos postcirugía y 5 mCi en pacientes ya tratados con I131); realizando a las 54 horas en todos los pacientes, y a las 72 horas en caso de duda diagnóstica, rastreo de cuerpo completo e imágenes estáticas de áreas de interés, en una gammacámara de un detector, con colimador de alta energía.Resultados: 4 rastreos positivos ( +) y 2 negativos (-). Hubo 1 rastreo positivo que no recibió tratamiento por situación clínica grave. En los 6 pacientes se elevó eficazmente la TSH, la Tg lo hizo en 4. En los 2 restantes la menor producción a la esperada de Tg tras el estímulo con rhTSH se explica por desdiferenciación del tumor y por disminución de la masa tumoral tras intervención quirúrgica.Conclusiones: La rhTSH eleva eficazmente la TSH, permitiendo el rastreo y/o el tratamiento con I131. Es bien tolerada y no presenta efectos adversos significativos. Evita las molestias de la situación de hipotiroidismo en pacientes de riesgo, manteniendo su calidad de vida (AU)