Utilidad de la tomografía de emisión de fotón único-tomografía computarizada en la biopsia selectiva del ganglio centinela en pacientes con melanoma

a b s t r a c t Tc-labeled nanocolloid human serum albumin, obtaining early planar images, late whole body study and sectorial images and SPECT-CT in the area of interest. Planar scintigraphy findings were compared with SPECT-CT. Results: The sentinel node (SN) was localized by planar imaging in 62/63 (98%) of patients. SPECT-CT study located the SN in all the patients with a detection rate of 100%. The number of SNs detected with SPECT- CT was higher than with the planar study in 27 patients. The SPECT-CT provided additional information (change in location and/or in its accuracy in the localization of location uncertain SN) in 14/63 (22.2%) patients, involving changes in the surgical approach and lymph node staging. Conclusion: SPECT-CT detects a higher number of SN than planar lymphoscintigraphy in patients with melanoma. Its contribution is more relevant in the melanomas located on the trunk, head and neck. SPECT-CT modified the SN location by 22% compared to planar scan findings, facilitating a correct surgical approach.