Evaluation of planar scintimammography with 99mTc-MIBI in the detection of axillary lymph node metastases of breast carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the role of planar scintimammography with 99mTc-MIBI in detecting axillary lymph node metastases in women with primary breast carcinoma.


METHODS
Fifty-eight patients underwent scintimammography rior to axillary lymph node dissection. Ten minutes after injection of 700 MBq 99mTc-MIBI, two prone lateral projections were obtained, followed by a supine anterior projection. Sixty-one axillae (3 bilateral) were operated upon and the status of the lymph nodes verified with histopathology. The scintigraphic result was compared to the histopathologic findings.


RESULTS
A sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 80% of planar scintimammography in detecting axillary lymph node metastases were achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
Scintimammography with 99mTc-MIBI is not recommended as a routine method for the detection of axillary lymph node metastases in patients with breast carcinoma.
Danielsson
R
R
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Boné
B
B
Perbeck
L
L
Aspelin
P
P
D001365:Axilla; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017256:Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D017256:Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi