Intraoperative detection of carcinoid tumor of the ovary by gamma probe

Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate the detection of carcinoid tumor of the ovary by gamma probe during surgery in a patient in whom the exact location of a metastatic tumor was uncertain.

Methods: Twenty-four hours after injection of 350 MBq (9.5 mCi) I-123, an anterior image of the abdomen was acquired before surgery to demonstrate MIBG accumulation. Holding the ovary in the hand during the operation, a surgical gamma probe indicated the exact location of highest radioactivity.

Results/conclusions: Intraoperative MIBG scanning is a useful noninvasive detection method to localize metastases of carcinoid in the ovary. This method should be used only when it is not clear where the area of increased activity is located in the body because there are certain costs involved.