Abstract: (159 words)
Background: MIBG imaging has been the standard for Neuroblastoma staging following its discovery 4 decades ago. Novel agents such as 18F-FDOPA and68Ga-DOTATATE are being widely used nowadays in academic centers. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, procurement of MIBG has proved particularly challenging, necessitating the use of68Ga DOTATATE positron emission tomography.
Methods: 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging was carried out for completion of staging investigation for three pediatric patients who were diagnosed with Neuroblastoma at our institution, as123I-MIBG became unavailable during the pandemic.
Results: 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT scans were carried out in all three pediatric patients without any complications. All patients showed 68Gallium DOTATATE avid disease. PET/CT scans showed better spatial resolution, increased lesion contrast and demonstrated high accuracy in staging Neuroblastoma patients in concordance with current EANM guidelines.
Conclusion: 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT imaging can be reliably used as an alternative to 123I-MIBG for staging and evaluation of patients with Neuroblastoma. Impact may be best in high risk disease.