A case of added value of 123I-mIBG SPECT/CT imaging in the diagnosis of a pheochromocytoma extending into the left adrenal vein

Acta Chir Belg. 2017 Jun;117(3):192-195. doi: 10.1080/00015458.2016.1240917. Epub 2016 Oct 13.

Abstract

We present the case of a 48-year-old patient with a left adrenal incidentaloma found on computed tomography (CT) for which the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma was confirmed by a 24-hour urinary dosage of norepinephrine. The 123I-mIBG scintigraphy showed a high uptake of 123I-mIBG in the left adrenal gland and, additionally, the single photon emission computed tomography combined with a low-dose CT (SPECT/CT) suggested the extension into the adrenal vein. The diagnostic CT and magnetic resonance images agreed with these findings and the subsequent surgery confirmed the vascular invasion.

Keywords: MIBG; adrenal mass; pheochromocytoma; scintigraphy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Pheochromocytoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pheochromocytoma / pathology*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Computed Tomography*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • 3-Iodobenzylguanidine