Computer-aided 3-D 99mTc-DPD-SPECT reconstruction to assess mandibular invasion by intraoral squamous cell carcinoma: diagnostic improvement or not?
OBJECTIVE
A prospective study was designed to compare computer-aided 3-D 99mTc-DPD-SPECT (Technetium-Dicarboxy propan-single photon emission CT) reconstruction with clinical examination, panoramic radiography, CT scan and conventional 99mTc-DPD-SPECT investigation in the assessment of mandibular bone invasion by squamous cell carcinoma.


METHODS
Between October 1997 and December 1999, 88 patients with intraoral squamous cell carcinoma of the regions adjacent to the mandible were enrolled in this study. In 50 cases, mandibular resection (segmental or marginal) was performed based on the pre-treatment diagnostic results. Imaging studies were read independently by four experienced observers.


RESULTS
No differences could be found between presurgical 3-D 99mTc-DPD-SPECT reconstruction and conventional 99mTc-DPD-SPECT investigation. Both techniques revealed a sensitivity of 100% whereas CT scan showed the greatest specificity (93.8%). SPECT investigation had a specificity of 91.6% and the greatest efficiency (95.4%). The greatest predictive positive value was found for CT scan (92.3%). Clinical examination and panoramic radiography displayed the lowest sensitivity, 82.5% vs. 85.0%, and specificity, 79.2% vs. 89.5% respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
This investigation does not provide evidence that 3-D 99mTc-DPD-SPECT reconstruction has any advantages when compared to conventional 99mTc-DPD-ECT investigation in the assessment of mandibular invasion by squamous cell carcinoma. Despite a sensitivity of 100% the specificity is still in need of improvement. Until newer methods or techniques become available the combination of CT scanning and conventional 99mTc-DPD-SPECT investigation appears to be the best means of detecting tumour invasion preoperatively and is thus helpful in directing appropriate surgical procedure.
Schimming
R
R
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Freiburg, Germany. ronald_schimming@zmk2.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Juengling
F D
FD
Lauer
G
G
Altehöfer
C
C
Schmelzeisen
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D004164:Diphosphonates; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D015588:Observer Variation; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D004164:Diphosphonates; D015609:Organotechnetium Compounds; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; C033905:technetium Tc 99m 1,1-diphosphonopropane-2,3-dicarboxylic acid