A protocol for imaging axillary lymph nodes in patients undergoing breast-specific gamma-imaging.
The development of small-field-of-view, breast-optimized, gamma-camera designed for breast scintigraphy has resulted in improved breast lesion detection-particularly for lesions smaller than 1 cm. However, unlike with the standard gamma-camera, these images do not include the axilla within the field of view.


METHODS
Because of the effectiveness of breast scintigraphy using (99m)Tc-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.


CONCLUSIONS
Last, several example patient cases are discussed, describing both the impact and the limitations of this imaging protocol.
Jones
Elizabeth A
EA
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cancer Services, and Good Samaritan Breast Health Center Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital, Portland, Oregon, USA. eljones@lhs.org
Phan
Trinh D
TD
Johnson
Nathalie M
NM
Blanchard
Deborah A
DA
D001940:Breast / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009928:Organ Specificity; D011187:Posture; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*