Elizabeth Clarke1, Alp Notghi, Keith Harding. 1. Department of Physics and Nuclear Medicine, City Hospital NHS Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom. elizabeth.clarke@cityhospbham.wmids.nhs.uk
Abstract
UNLABELLED: Many centers use techniques for localizing the sentinel lymph node (SLN) associated with a breast tumor. Protocols involve the use of an intraoperative probe and blue dye but may or may not include scintigraphy. METHODS: Three methods of body-outline imaging were investigated to aid SLN localization. Body outlines were acquired using a handheld source; a transmission image was acquired from a (57)Co-flood source; and, finally, a new method is described using a (153)Gd-line source attenuation correction for body outline. RESULTS: Method 1 images were of low quality, although 83% of SLNs were visualized. Body outline was unsatisfactory for surgical localization. Method 2 was unsatisfactory because of the lack of a lateral image. Method 3 enabled good presurgical visualization of the SLN (73%) and speeded surgical localization. CONCLUSION: The (153)Gd-line source consistently gives optimal-quality body-outline images. This source is simple, quick, and clearly locates the SLN on multiple projections.
UNLABELLED: Many centers use techniques for localizing the sentinel lymph node (SLN) associated with a breast tumor. Protocols involve the use of an intraoperative probe and blue dye but may or may not include scintigraphy. METHODS: Three methods of body-outline imaging were investigated to aid SLN localization. Body outlines were acquired using a handheld source; a transmission image was acquired from a (57)Co-flood source; and, finally, a new method is described using a (153)Gd-line source attenuation correction for body outline. RESULTS: Method 1 images were of low quality, although 83% of SLNs were visualized. Body outline was unsatisfactory for surgical localization. Method 2 was unsatisfactory because of the lack of a lateral image. Method 3 enabled good presurgical visualization of the SLN (73%) and speeded surgical localization. CONCLUSION: The (153)Gd-line source consistently gives optimal-quality body-outline images. This source is simple, quick, and clearly locates the SLN on multiple projections.
Authors: Renée L Dickinson; William D Erwin; Donna M Stevens; Luc M Bidaut; Martha V Mar; Homer A Macapinlac; Richard E Wendt Journal: Int J Mol Imaging Date: 2010-12-14