Comparison of 68Ga-Dotatate PET/CT and 18F-FDOPA PET/CT for the diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors in a MEN1 patient

Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2020 Feb;81(1):39-43. doi: 10.1016/j.ando.2019.11.001. Epub 2019 Dec 16.

Abstract

Context: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) occur in more than 80% of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome, with predominance of small (<1cm) non-functioning tumors, followed by gastrinomas and insulinomas. Due to their small size, the diagnostic performance of conventional MRI and CT imaging is highly variable, with a real risk of false-negatives. Functional imaging on 111In-DTPA-Octreotide SPECT somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (Octreoscan®) is the modality of choice, but shows only 80% sensitivity. Alternatively, 18F-fluorodihydroxyphenylalanine (FDOPA) and, more recently, 68Ga-Dotatate PET/CT imaging are valuable options in case of negative Octreoscan®.

Case report: A 55 old-year woman diagnosed with MEN1 syndrome, presented with multiple asymptomatic but progressive PNETs revealed on ultrasound endoscopy. Octreoscan® was negative, as was 18F-FDOPA PET/CT, whereas 68Ga-Dotatate PET/CT detected all PNETs found on endoscopy.

Conclusion: We here report the first case of a MEN1 patient who successfully underwent a 68Ga-Dotatate PET/CT for detection and follow-up of PNETs, while both Octreoscan® and 18F-FDOPA PET/CT were negative.

Keywords: (18)F-FDOPA TEP/TDM; 18F-FDOPA PET/CT; 68(Ga)-DOTATATE TEP/TDM; 68Ga-Dotatate PET/CT; MEN1; NEM1; Neuroendocrine; Pancreas; Pancréas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / complications
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / diagnosis*
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 / pathology
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / complications
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / diagnosis*
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors / pathology
  • Organometallic Compounds*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / complications
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pancreatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods*

Substances

  • Organometallic Compounds
  • fluorodopa F 18
  • Dihydroxyphenylalanine
  • gallium Ga 68 dotatate