Clinical value of I-metaiodobenzylguanidine single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography in spontaneous regression of localized congenital neuroblastoma: an evaluative study.

BACKGROUND

Congenital neuroblastoma represents an early-onset form of neuroblastoma. This study aims to evaluate the imaging features of I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (I-MIBG) single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/computed tomography (CT) and their correlation with the clinical characteristics of localized congenital neuroblastoma.

METHODS

We retrospectively collected imaging and clinical data from congenital neuroblastoma patients who underwent I-MIBG SPECT/CT. The volumes of interest of primary lesion, muscle, lung and mediastinum blood pool were delineated by 3DSlicer. The ratios of the maximum and average counts between the tumor and muscle/lung/mediastinum blood pool were calculated to explore the factors related to the spontaneous regression of the tumor.

RESULTS

A total of 11 patients with localized congenital neuroblastoma were included in this study. The majority of the lesions were identified prenatally. I-MIBG imaging demonstrated that all of the spontaneous regressed lesions were localized neuroblastoma, which did not cross the midline and were negative for image-defined risk factors, with a maximum diameter of less than 3.1 cm. The I-MIBG uptake in the tumor was significantly associated with spontaneous regression of neuroblastoma. Lower I-MIBG uptake in the tumor is associated with spontaneous tumor regression of neuroblastoma.

CONCLUSIONS

I-MIBG SPECT/CT is a valuable tool for the diagnosis, staging and monitoring of treatment response in congenital neuroblastoma. The I-MIBG uptake of the tumor can predict the spontaneous regression in localized congenital neuroblastoma.