Jinchun Yan MD, PhD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Upendra Parvathaneni MBBS, FRANZC, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

1. SPECT-CT has increased contrast resolution than planar imaging and therefore often bears higher detection sensitivity. 2. Octreoscan is a useful imaging modality for detecting neuroendocrine tumors that express somatostatin receptors.  

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a cutaneous malignancy of neuroendocrine origin with a high propensity for distant metastases. The prognosis is significantly worse for patients with metastatic spread; 5 year overall survival is 80% for stage I versus 20% for stage IV disease. 111In-pentetreotide imaging (Octreoscan) is a useful imaging modality for detecting neuroendocrine tumors that express somatostatin receptors. It helps in the management of MCC by identifying clinically occult metastases for staging and during surveillance. It also determines whether treatment with Octreotide is indicated. However, planar 111 In-pentetreotide images do not always detect liver metastases due to high background liver uptake. SPECT-CT can offer better contrast resolution compared to planar imaging. FDG PET-CT images correlate well with the SPECT-CT. 

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14008227/14008227_sq7g.pdf

Yan, J, Parvathaneni, U, Improved Detection Sensitivity of Merkel Cell Carcinoma Liver Metastasis by SPECT-CT Octreoscan and FDG PET-CT.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14008227.html