Incremental Utility of Tc-99m Glucohepatonate Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography over 18F-Flourodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Diagnosis of Brain Tumor Recurrence – Old is Gold

Abstract

Detection of recurrence of a brain tumor after treatment is one of the most important and challenging diagnostic problems in neuro-oncological practice. In spite of technical advances in imaging modalities, sometimes, certain clinical presentations and manifestations can lead to a diagnostic dilemma even with the best of the technical know-how. We present a case of recurrence of anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (World Health Organization Grade III), where the patient's initial clinical presentation and the F-18 flourodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) magnetic resonance imaging findings were suggestive of stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy syndrome. Due to a seizure episode before PET image acquisition, intense gyral uptake was noted in the left parietal lobe which made it difficult to ascertain the presence of a tumor recurrence. However, Tc-99m glucohepatonate single-photon emission computed tomography done after 1 week revealed radiotracer uptake within the site corresponding to the primary tumor, and a diagnosis of recurrence was made.