In this first prospective study comparing Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT to Octreoscan-SPECT/CT andF FDG-PET in TIO localization, Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT demonstrated the greatest sensitivity and specificity, suggesting that it may be the best single study for localization of PMTs in TIO.

Background Screening for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is recommended to detect primary and metastatic tumors, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality. The utility of somatostatin receptor imaging 68Gallium-DOTATATE PET/CT in patients with MEN1 is not known. The aim of this study was to prospectively determine the accuracy of 68Gallium-DOTATATE PET/CT versus 111In-pentetreotide SPECT/CT and anatomic imaging in patients with MEN1. Study design Prospective study comparing 68Gallium-DOTATATE PET/CT, 111In-pentetreotide SPECT/CT, and triphasic CT scan to clinical, biochemical and pathological data in 26 patients with MEN1. Results 68Gallium-DOTATATE PET/CT detected 107 lesions; 111In- pentetreotide SPECT/CT detected 33 lesions; and CT scan detected 48 lesions. Lesions detected on 68Gallium-DOTATATE PET/CT had high SUVmax (median SUVmax = 72.8 [range 19–191]). In 7 of the 26 patients (27%), 68Gallium-DOTATATE PET/CT was positive with a negative 111In-pentetreotide SPECT/CT, and in 10 patients (38.5%), additional metastases were detected (range 0.3 cm to 1.5 cm). In 8 of the 26 patients (31%), there was a change in management recommendations as a result of the findings on 68Gallium-DOTATATE PET/CT that were not seen on 111In- pentetreotide SPECT/CT and CT scan. Conclusions 68Gallium-DOTATATE PET/CT is more sensitive for detecting NETs than 111In-pentetreotide SPECT/CT and CT scan in patients with MEN1. This imaging technique should be integrated into radiologic screening and surveillance of patients with MEN1, as it can significantly alter management recommendations.

Screening of at-risk family members resulted in earlier detection of low-risk FNMTC and was associated with a less aggressive initial treatment. Screening with thyroid ultrasound should be considered in kindred with three or more family members affected by FNMTC. Since active screening might be associated with the risk of overtreatment, it should be implemented with caution, specifically in elderly individuals.