FDG-PET: A sensitive tool for the localization of MIBG-negative pelvic pheochromocytomas

Abstract

Pheochromocytomas are catecholamine-secreting tumors arising from the adrenal medulla or rarely from other structures derived from neurocrest origin. Because biochemical evidence of catecholamine production usually precedes clinical manifestations, patients who have undergone resection of a pheochromocytoma are followed with serial monitoring of catecholamines. If urinary catecholamines are elevated, localization of recurrent and/or metastatic lesions is obtained by imaging procedures. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful techniques, but they do not provide specific metabolic information. Scintigraphy with metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) labeled with either 123I or 13..