Comparison of 99mTc-MIBi scintigraphy and sentinel node biopsy in the detection of occult lymph node metastases from cutaneous melanoma
Alonso, O.; MartÃnez, M.; Delgado, L.Ãa.; Lago, G.; Juri, C.; Borges, A.L.; Lopes de Amorim, M.Ãa.C.; de Boni, D.; EspasandÃn, J.é; Priario, J.
European Journal of Dermatology Ejd 13(5): 449-454
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1167-1122 PMID: 14693488 Document Number: 566197
99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy has been proposed as a technique that can diagnose clinically undetectable melanoma metastases. The aim of the study was to compare the sensitivity of 99mTc-MIBI with that of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in the detection of nodal disease. Twenty-eight patients with melanoma >1.0 mm thick were enrolled. Patients underwent 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy and a preoperative lymphoscintigraphy followed by SNB. Sentinel nodes were identified in 27/28 patients. Twelve patients had an involved sentinel node (SN), being 99mTc-MIBI positive in 10. No patient with negative SNB developed regional recurrence during the study. 99mTc-MIBI had a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 93%. We conclude that SNB remains the procedure of choice for detecting subclinical lymph node involvement from melanoma. 99mTc-MIBI could have an alternative role in lymph node staging of patients who are not good candidates of SNB, that needs to be tested in appropriate trials.