Fusion of SPECT and Multidetector CT Images for Accurate Localization of Pelvic Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Prostate Cancer Patients
Fusion of SPECT and Multidetector CT Images for Accurate Localization of Pelvic Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Prostate Cancer Patients Hiroto Kizu, PhD1; Teruhiko Takayama, MD1; Mamoru Fukuda, MD2; Masayuki Egawa, MD2; Hiroyuki Tsushima, PhD1; Masato Yamada, PhD3; Kenji Ichiyanagi, MD4; Kunihiko Yokoyama, MD4; Masahisa Onoguchi, MD1; and Norihisa Tonami, MD4 1Department of Radiological Technology, School of Health Science, Kanazawa University, Kodatsuno, Kanazawa, Japan; 2Department of Integrative Cancer Therapy and Urology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Japan; 3Department of Radiology, Kanazawa University Hospital, Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Japan; and 4Department of Biotracer Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Takaramachi, Kanazawa, Japan testinal cancer (6,7). A sentinel node is defined as the lymph Objective: The present study was performed to investigate node first receiving lymphatic drainage from a tumor. It is the feasibility of fusion of images obtained by SPECT and most likely the site of early metastasis. The histopathologic multidetector CT (MDCT) for the accurate localization of findings for an excised SLN indicate the need for further sentinel lymph nodes in prostate cancer patients. dissection of the nodal basin if metastatic spread or micro- Methods: To facilitate the fusion of both SPECT and CT metastases are found. Alternatively, if the SLN is tumor images, a pelvic MDCT scan was performed with 3 markers free, the nodal basin can be regarded as free of disease, and of small plastic bullets attached to the skin over the bilateral unnecessary dissection can be avoided. The results of SLN iliac crests and the ventral midline at the same height. SPECT was performed after the same locations were biopsy play an important role in the selection of both the marked with needle caps containing 99mTc-pertechnetate.
[Show full text]