Initial experience using 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT for the differentiation of oncocytoma from renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The differentiation of oncocytoma from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains a challenge with currently available cross-sectional imaging techniques. As a result, a large number of patients harboring a benign oncocytoma undergo unnecessary surgical resection. In this study, we explored the utility of 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT for the differentiation of these tumors based on the hypothesis that the large number of mitochondria in oncocytomas would lead to increased 99mTc-MIBI uptake.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In total, 6 patients (3 with oncocytoma and 3 with RCC) were imaged with 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT. Relative quantification was performed by measuring tumor-to-normal renal parenchyma background ratios.

RESULTS: All 3 oncocytomas demonstrated radiotracer uptake near or above the normal renal parenchymal uptake (range of uptake ratios, 0.85-1.78). In contrast, the 3 RCCs were profoundly photopenic relative to renal background (range of uptake ratios, 0.21-0.31).

CONCLUSIONS: 99mTc-MIBI SPECT/CT appears to be of value in scintigraphically distinguishing benign renal oncocytoma from RCC.