68Ga-DOTATATE PET-CT imaging in carotid body paragangliomas.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to present our experience in the baseline evaluation of carotid body paragangliomas (CBP) with 68Ga-DOTATATE PET-CT.

METHODS

Five patients (4F, 1M; age 24-73 years) with CBPs who underwent 68Ga-DOTATATE PET-CT scan before the treatment were evaluated retrospectively. PET-CT images were analyzed visually as well as semiquantitatively, with measurement of maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax).

RESULTS

All patients had unilateral CBP lesion, showed intense 68Ga-DOTATATE uptake in PET-CT. Additionally, 68Ga-DOTATATE avid lesions were found in two patients. One of them had focal intense uptake in thyroid gland and frontal cerebrum. The other one had intense uptake in bone and adrenal mass. Four patients were operated for unilateral primary CBP. Last patient was treated with peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (177Lu-DOTATATE) for both metastatic pheochromocytoma and CBP.

CONCLUSIONS

68Ga-DOTATATE PET-CT is a valuable imaging modality for staging of CBPs, detecting unknown lesions and changing the management of patients. It is also useful in demonstrating expression of SSTRs for PRRT opportunity.