ISSN:
1437-2320
Keywords:
Brain tumors
;
grading
;
thallium-201-SPECT
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with thallium-201-chloride (201TI) was used in 22 patients to assess the grade of malignancy of brain tumors. Low- and high-grade malignant gliomas could be well differentiated by calculating the Grade Index (GI), i.e., 201TI uptake in the tumor area relative to a contralateral brain region. Low-grade gliomas (WHO-grade I–II) usually showed a GI of 〈1.5. Tumors classified histologically as high-grade malignant (WHO-grade III–IV) had GI values greater than 1.42 and a mean value of 1.89. Until labelled amino-acid tracers for gamma-cameras become commercially available, thallium-201 brain-SPECT can provide an independent and complementary method to CT/MRI for the differential diagnosis of grading of brain tumors. This simple technique can help to reduce sampling errors during needle biopsies of brain tumors, particularly of high-grade lesions incorrectly graded as low-grade tumors due to inadequate biopsy material. In addition, pre- and post-therapy studies can influence the strategy of therapy itself and allow an early detection of recurrences.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00257803
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