Imaging of neuroblastomas using CT and I-131-MIBG scintigraphy

Accurate preoperative staging of neuroblastomas is essential for determining proper therapy. Although CT has proved effective in staging, recently I-131-MIBG scintigraphy has also been utilized. Imaging data in 15 patients with neuroblastomas were retrospectively analyzed to determine the roles of these two modalities. CT yielded excellent regional anatomic detail but underestimated remote sites of metastases due to limited anatomic coverage. MIBG scintigraphy, although capable of depicting the entire extent of tumor involvement, was limited by its dependency on tumor hormonal activity, with false negative results in 6 of 15 patients. The two modalities are complementary and, when used in combination, increase the accuracy of preoperative tumor staging