Application value of 99mTc-HTOC in diagnosis and staging of neuroblastoma in children

Abstract

Objective To investigate the application value of 99mtechnetium-hydrazinonicotinyl-tyr 3-octreotide (99mTc-HTOC) imaging in the diagnosis and staging of neuroblastoma (NB) in children. Methods 99mTc-HTOC scintigraphy was performed on 32 NB suspected children who received at least 1 conventional imaging examination [ultrasound examination, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] from March 2016 to March 2018 in our hospital. Images were evaluated by 2 experienced nuclear medicine physicians or archiaters. The combination of the results of pathological examination, traditional imaging examination and clinical follow-up were reference standards. Results The sensitivity of 99mTc-HTOC imaging was 96.7% (29/30), specificity was 50% (1/2), positive predictive value was 96.7% (29/30), negative predictive value was 50% (1/2) and diagnostic coincidence rate was 93.8% (30/32). The initial stage was changed in 3 patients (10%) after the 99mTc-HTOC imaging. One of the patients was increased from stage ⅡA to stage Ⅳ, and the remaining 2 patients were increased from stage Ⅲ to stage Ⅳ. Conclusion 99mTc-HTOC imaging improves the accuracy of NB initial staging, and can be used in the diagnosis and staging of NB in children.

Keywords

• octreotide
• neuroblastoma
• diagnosis
• staging
• children