摘要

BACKGROUNDAlthough metastatic skull lesions of neuroblastoma are not uncommon, brain involvement is infrequent and prompt diagnosis is of utmost importance in such cases. Previous studies have shown that Meta-Iodo-Benzyl-Guanidine (MIBG) scans were not always reliable in detecting central nervous system metastases, however most published reports referred to the Iodine-131 (I-131)-MIBG scans. Herein, we report an intraventricular metastasis of neuroblastoma diagnosed using an Iodine-123 (I-123)-MIBG scan, which is increasingly being used in clinical practice and reported as a more accurate method for detecting metastatic lesions.
CASE DESCRIPTIONAn unusual case of metastatic neuroblastoma to the left lateral ventricle of the brain is presented. Planar I-123-MIBG scintigraphy showed faint tracer activity close to the midline without asymmetric extensions or abnormal activity in the skull bones. A subsequent brain MR scan revealed an enhancing mass within the left frontal horn consistent with a metastatic lesion. The patient underwent tumor resection with pathology showing neuroblastoma.
CONCLUSIONSOur case shows that I-123-MIBG scintigraphy can be useful in detecting intraventricular brain metastases of neuroblastoma. Although the I-123-MIBG scintigraphy has been reported to have a significantly superior sensitivity in monitoring asymptomatic patients with neuroblastoma compared with I-131-MIBG scans, bone marrow histology, bone scan, CT, and urinary catecholamine levels, further studies may be necessary to evaluate its sensitivity in detecting brain lesions.

  • 出版日期2014-3