A protocol for imaging axillary lymph nodes in patients undergoing breast-specific gamma-imaging.

UNLABELLED

The development of small-field-of-view, breast-optimized, gamma-camera designed for breast scintigraphy has resulted in improved breast lesion detection-particularly for lesions smaller than 1 cm. However, unlike with the standard gamma-camera, these images do not include the axilla within the field of view.

METHODS

Because of the effectiveness of breast scintigraphy using (99m)Tc-sestamibi in the detection of axillary lymph node metastases, this article describes the development of an axillary imaging protocol for these small-field-of-view systems.

RESULTS

In addition, it describes how the improved resolution of these systems affects imaging of the axilla and reports observed, normal variants.

CONCLUSION

Last, several example patient cases are discussed, describing both the impact and the limitations of this imaging protocol.