RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A Protocol for Imaging Axillary Lymph Nodes in Patients Undergoing Breast-Specific γ-Imaging
JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
JO J. Nucl. Med. Technol.
FD Society of Nuclear Medicine
SP 28
OP 31
DO 10.2967/jnmt.109.062711
VO 38
IS 1
A1 Jones, Elizabeth A.
A1 Phan, Trinh D.
A1 Johnson, Nathalie M.
A1 Blanchard, Deborah A.
YR 2010
UL http://tech.snmjournals.org/content/38/1/28.abstract
AB The development of small-field-of-view, breast-optimized, γ-camera designed for breast scintigraphy has resulted in improved breast lesion detection—particularly for lesions smaller than 1 cm. However, unlike with the standard γ-camera, these images do not include the axilla within the field of view. Methods: Because of the effectiveness of breast scintigraphy using 99mTc-sestamibi in the detection of axillary lymph node metastases, this article describes the development of an axillary imaging protocol for these small-field-of-view systems. Results: In addition, it describes how the improved resolution of these systems affects imaging of the axilla and reports observed, normal variants. Conclusion: Last, several example patient cases are discussed, describing both the impact and the limitations of this imaging protocol.