Abstract: (159 words)
Background: MIBG imaging has been the standard for
Neuroblastoma staging following its discovery 4 decades ago. Novel
agents such as 18F-FDOPA and68Ga-DOTATATE are being widely used nowadays in
academic centers. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, procurement of
MIBG has proved particularly challenging, necessitating the use of68Ga DOTATATE positron emission tomography.
Methods: 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging was
carried out for completion of staging investigation for three pediatric
patients who were diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at our institution, as123I-MIBG became unavailable during the pandemic.
Results: 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT scans were
carried out in all three pediatric patients without any complications.
All patients showed 68Gallium DOTATATE avid disease.
PET/CT scans showed better spatial resolution, increased lesion contrast
and demonstrated high accuracy in staging Neuroblastoma patients in
concordance with current EANM guidelines.
Conclusion: 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging can
be reliably used as an alternative to 123I-MIBG for
staging and evaluation of patients with Neuroblastoma. Impact may be
best in high risk disease.