Somatostatin receptor scintigraphy in cutaneous malignant lymphomas

摘要

markdownabstractBackground: Lymphoid cells may express somatostatin receptors (SS-Rs) on their cell surface.\udTherefore radiolabeled somatostalin analogues may be used to visualize SS-R-positive\udlymphoid neoplasms in vivo. Exact staging is the basis for treatment decisions in cutaneous\udmalignant lymphoma. We considered the possibility that SS-R scintigraphy might offer a\udclinically useful method of diagnostic imaging in patients with cutaneous malignant\udlymphoma. \ud\udObjective: We evaluated SS-R scintigraphy in comparison with conventional staging methods\udin the staging of cutaneous malignant lymphoma. \ud\udMethods: We conducted a prospective study in 14 consecutive patients with histologically\udproven cutaneous malignant lymphoma. SS-R scintigraphy was compared with physical, radiologic,\udand bone marrow examinations. Lymph node excisions were performed in patients\udwith palpable lymph nodes. \ud\udResults: SS-R scintigraphy was positive in the lymph nodes in all four patients with malignant\udlymph node infiltration and negative in the three patients with dermatopathic lymphadenopathy.\udIn two patients, previously unsuspected lymphoma localizations were visualized by\udSS-R scintigraphy. In only three patients all skin lesions were visualized by SS-R scintigraphy;\udthese three patients had not been treated with topical corticosteroids. SS-R scintigraphy\udfailed to detect an adrenal mass in one patient and bone marrow infiltration in two patients. \ud\udConclusion: SS-R scintigraphy may help distinguish dermatopathic lymphadenopathy from\udmalignant lymph node infiltration in patients with cutaneous malignant lymphoma.