1.The use of SPECT-CT improves accuracy of post radioiodine therapy imaging and changes the management strategy in a case of advanced follicular thyroid carcinoma
Teck Huat Wong ; Siti Zarina Amir Hassan
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2015;70(6):356-357
This is a case of follicular thyroid carcinoma with extensive
lung, bone and brain metastases. Multi-modality treatments
including total thyroidectomy, modified radical neck
dissection, cranial radiotherapy and Iodine-131 (RAI)
therapy were instituted. Post RAI therapy planar whole body
scan showed RAI avid metastases in the skull, cervical
spine, bilateral lungs and abdomen. With the use of SPECTCT
imaging, rare adrenal metastasis and additional rib
metastasis were identified. Besides, management strategy
was altered due to detection of non-RAI avid brain and lung
metastatic lesions.
2.First Local Experience of Intra‑Cavitary Yttrium‑90 Citrate Colloid Irradiation via Ommaya Reservoir for Refractory Cystic Craniopharyngioma: a Case Report
Nadiah Abd RAZAK ; Pung Choon PING ; Kamalia KAMARULZAMAN ; Siti Zarina Amir HASSAN
Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2024;58(3):129-139
Craniopharyngioma is uncommon benign intracranial tumour that can be cured by surgical resection followed by conventional radiotherapy. However, its anatomical localisation makes the treatment hazardous or impossible. This case report aims to discuss the first local experience of using beta-emitting Yttrium-90 radioisotope in treating a patient with refractory cystic craniopharyngioma. A 43-year-old male who has underlying refractory cystic craniopharyngioma complicated with visual impairment and panhypopituitarism was referred to our nuclear medicine department for intra-cavitary irradiation therapy.Initially, he was presented with blurring of vision and headache which he had two previous resection surgeries of cystic craniopharyngioma. However, due to persistent symptoms, he had Ommaya reservoir shunt inserted for regular aspiration.Despite regular aspiration, his symptoms worsen. He was unsuitable for radiotherapy thus was considered for intra-cystic irradiation with radioisotope. Prior to the therapy, he had pre-therapy assessment with Tc-99 m MAA. He subsequently received Ytrrium-90 citrate colloid of 300 Gy radiation dose to the inner surface of the tumour which complicated with post therapy inflammatory reaction. This first local experience highlights the role of radioisotope as the valuable minimally invasive adjuvant therapy in treating a patient with refractory cystic craniopharyngioma. Further follow-up is necessary to assess the outcome and possible late complications.