Evolution of a Schmorl's Node and a Degenerative Osteophyte on Sequential 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT Scans: Potential Pitfalls in Neuroendocrine Tumor Imaging. (January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hod, Nir; Levin, Daniel; Anconina, Reut; Benkovich, Elya; Ezroh Kazap, Dina; Lantsberg, Sophie
• Is Part Of: Clinical nuclear medicine. Volume 44:Number 1(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-01
• Subjects: 68Ga-DOTATATE -- PET/CT -- neuroendocrine tumor -- Schmorl's node -- degenerative osteophyte -- pitfall; Nuclear medicine -- Periodicals; Radioisotope scanning -- Periodicals; Nuclear Medicine -- Periodicals; 616.07575
• DOI: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000002353
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0363-9762

Abstract

Abstract : Abstract: Schmorl's node (SN) arises from the herniation of the nucleus pulposus of the disc through the cartilaginous endplate into the body of the vertebra. Our report describes a patient with carcinoid tumor who underwent a series of 68 Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT scans for follow-up, demonstrating gradually increasing focal vertebral uptake in absence of CT abnormality, suspicious for a metastasis. Both CT and MRI eventually revealed classical findings of a SN. Also observed in the same vertebra is a degenerative osteophyte showing intense 68 Ga-DOTATATE uptake. This interesting case shows 2 benign spinal lesions, which potentially can simulate bone metastasis in patients with neuroendocrine tumors.