Current role of metaiodobenzylguanidine in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and medullary thyroid cancer

Semin Nucl Med. 2011 Sep;41(5):364-8. doi: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2011.03.003.

Abstract

Despite early reports of excellent diagnostic characteristics of [(131)I]/[(123)I]-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) in the evaluation of pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas (PHEOs/PGLs) or medullary thyroid cancer as experience with it was accumulated, the sensitivity dropped. Nevertheless, this modality is still useful in the diagnostic work-up of PHEOs/PGLs because it is widely available, and in case of positive scans it might indicate patients who are potential candidates for [(131)I]MIBG therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine* / metabolism
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine
  • Humans
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnosis*
  • Pheochromocytoma / metabolism
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / metabolism

Substances

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine

Supplementary concepts

  • Thyroid cancer, medullary