Diagnostic and therapeutic use of 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine in children with neuroblastoma

A total of 68 scintigraphies with 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (131I-MIBG) were performed in 35 children affected by neuriblastoma, and the results were compared with those obtained by other diagnostic procedures. In 46 studies, the results of 131I-MIBG scintigraphy were in accordance with biochemical and instrumental data (31 true positives, 15 true negative results). Whereas, in 22 instances the results of 131I-MIBG scintigraphy did not agree with those of other diagnostic procedures. In 13 studies 131I-MIBG was negative and other data positive (false negatives). In 9 studies 131I-MIBG was positive and other data negative. Further investigation, including surgical exploration in 5 cases, revealed no false positives. These individual cases are discussed. 131I-MIBG can thus play an important, albeit not exclusive, role in diagnosis, staging and follow-up of neuroblastoma. Disappointing results were on the other hand obtained in seven patients with advanced disease in whom therapeutic attempts were carried out with 131I-MIBG