Abstract
Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in the detection of paraganglioma (PGL), pheochromocytoma (PCC), and neuroblastoma (NB). Anatomic imaging, for example CT or MRI, offers high sensitivity in these neuroendocrine tumors (NET) but only moderate specificity, often associated with difficulties in clearly distinguishing between NET and non-NET. Functional imaging, as in the use of different radioisotopes, is indispensable in oncological imaging. The introduction of PET and PET/CT, respectively, led to adramatic improvement in both malignant and non-malignant PGL, PCC, and NB, assessing the exact tumor extent. This review gives an overview of functional and anatomical imaging in PGL, PCC, and NB.
Highlights
Tumors of the neural crest have a wide range of clinical presentations
These neuroendocrine tumors (NET)—with the ability to overexpress somatostatin (SST)—are referred to as pheochromocytoma (PCC) and neuroblastoma (NB) if they arise from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla, whereas extraadrenal tumors arising from the sympathetic nervous system are known as paraganglioma (PGL)
In contrast to CT and MRI, functional imaging modalities serve as a useful diagnostic tool for distinguishing between viable tumor and a nonviable residual lesion without being affected by anatomical distortion after surgery or irradiation, which is a limitation of anatomical imaging
Summary
Received: June 2018 / Accepted: August 2018 / Published online: 4 September 2018. Summary Diagnostic imaging plays an important role in the detection of paraganglioma (PGL), pheochromocytoma (PCC), and neuroblastoma (NB). For example CT or MRI, offers high sensitivity in these neuroendocrine tumors (NET) but only moderate specificity, often associated with difficulties in clearly distinguishing between NET and non-NET. The introduction of PET and PET/CT, respectively, led to a dramatic improvement in both malignant and nonmalignant PGL, PCC, and NB, assessing the exact tumor extent. This review gives an overview of functional and anatomical imaging in PGL, PCC, and NB. Aktueller Stellenwert der funktionellen Bildgebung beim Neuroblastom, Phäochromozytom und Paragangliom. Zusammenfassung Die diagnostische Bildgebung spielt eine bedeutende Rolle bei der Erkennung eines Paraganglioms (PGL), Phäochromozytoms (PCC) und Neuroblastoms (NB).
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