Comparative evaluation of Tc-99m MIBI and Tl-201 chloride SPECT in non-small-cell lung cancer mediastinal lymph node metastases.

PURPOSE

To compare the utility of Tc-99m MIBI SPECT and Tl-201 chloride SPECT for presurgical assessment of lung cancer mediastinal lymph node metastases.

METHODS

Forty-one patients with non-small-cell lung cancer underwent dual-isotope imaging with Tl-201 chloride and Tc-99m MIBI and were evaluated for mediastinal lymph node involvement.

RESULTS

The sensitivity rates of early and delayed Tc-99m MIBI SPECT and of early and delayed Tl-201 chloride SPECT for detecting mediastinal nodal metastases were 69%, 69%, 92%, and 92%, respectively. The corresponding specificity rates were 96%, 96%, 93%, and 96%.

CONCLUSION

Tl-201 chloride SPECT is superior to Tc-99m MIBI SPECT when used to detect mediastinal lymph node metastases in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer.