PET/CT for Head and Neck Paragangliomas: Better Detection Than MRI

A recent study presented at the 2024 Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Annual Meeting reveals the clinical advantages of using 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT for detecting head and neck paragangliomas (HNPGLs). This next-generation imaging technique outperforms MRI by more accurately identifying tumors — especially in complex post-surgical environments.

HNPGLs are rare neuroendocrine tumors that grow in anatomically challenging locations, making detection and follow-up difficult. While MRI has long been the gold standard for evaluating these tumors, its limitations are clear — particularly when trying to distinguish recurrent tumor from post-operative scar tissue.

“We know that HNPGLs typically express somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) on the surface of neuroendocrine cells,” said Patrick Wojtylak, MSHA, CNMT, Radiology System Manager at University Hospital Cleveland Medical Center.

 

“Since 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT has high sensitivity and specificity for SSTR, we sought to determine whether it could detect HNPGLs more accurately than MRI, especially post-surgery.”

The study reviewed 25 patients, each undergoing both 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT and MRI:

• • 5 patients had suspected paragangliomas
  • 20 had pathology-confirmed HNPGLs after surgery

All scans were reviewed by a nuclear medicine specialist. Findings showed that PET/CT provided significantly better lesion detection, offering:

• • Improved visualization of tumor extent
  • Enhanced differentiation between scar tissue and residual tumor
  • Higher sensitivity and specificity than MRI alone

Learn more about our Mobile PET/CT Imaging Services, which bring this advanced technology directly to your facility — no capital investment required.

This study confirms that 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT is more than just a diagnostic tool — it’s a powerful imaging biomarker for HNPGLs. Clinical benefits include:

• • Increased diagnostic accuracy
  • More precise tumor localization
  • Improved treatment planning
  • Better patient outcomes

“Integrating 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT into the clinical management of HNPGLs can lead to more accurate diagnoses, better treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes,” Wojtylak noted.

Rare tumors like HNPGLs demand specialized imaging strategies — yet not all facilities have the infrastructure for PET/CT deployment. That’s where Shared Medical Services steps in.

Our Mobile PET/CT Solutions deliver high-sensitivity imaging for oncology, neurology, and neuroendocrine tumor diagnostics. Whether you need temporary overflow coverage or a scalable imaging route, SMS brings state-of-the-art technology — including 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT — right to your patients.

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Sources:
Wojtylak, P., et al. (2024). Utilization of Gallium-68 DOTATATE PET/CT for the Evaluation of Head and Neck Paragangliomas

Media Contact:
Blake Kenney
Senior Marketing Specialist
Shared Medical Services, Inc.
Phone: (608) 910-1332
Email: contactsms@sharedmed.com