Dose Reduction in Molecular Breast Imaging With a New Image-Processing Algorithm.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether application of a proprietary image-processing algorithm would allow a reduction in the necessary administered activity for molecular breast imaging (MBI) examinations. Images from standard-dose MBI examinations (300 MBq Tc-sestamibi) of 50 subjects were analyzed. The images were acquired in dynamic mode and showed at least one breast lesion.

Radiolocalization of atypical lesions for intraoperative identification: technical factors, localization quality, success rates, patient safety, and spectrum of applications.

Background: To retrospectively analyze perilesional technetium Tc-99m MAA injection for intraoperative localization of atypical soft-tissue and bone lesions within a single tertiary referral center in order to determine technique, safety, and clinical utility of these procedures.

Methods: An IRB compliant, retrospective electronic chart review (2010-2017) exploring surgical excision of atypical (non-pulmonary, non-breast, non-sentinel node) lesions guided by Tc-99m MAA perilesional injection. Patient demographics, lesion location, lesion size, radiotracer injection technique, radiotracer injection complications, scintigraphy technique, scintigraphic quality, intraoperative time, lesion identification in surgery, and pathological diagnoses were recorded.

Patient Acceptance of Half-dose Vs. Half-time Molecular Breast Imaging.

Objective: A number of strategies have been implemented at our institution to allow reductions in the administered dose or imaging time for molecular breast imaging (MBI). In this work, we examine patient opinions of whether dose reduction or time reduction is preferred.

Methods: Sixty female volunteers were randomized to undergo MBI at either half-dose (150 MBq Tc-99m sestamibi; images acquired for 10 minutes per view) or half-time (300 MBq Tc-99m sestamibi; images acquired for 5 minutes per view).

Guidelines for Quality Control Testing of Molecular Breast Imaging Systems.

Molecular breast imaging (MBI) is a nuclear medicine test that uses dedicated γ-cameras designed for imaging of the breast. Despite growing adoption of MBI, there is currently a lack of guidance on appropriate quality control procedures for MBI systems. Tests designed for conventional γ-cameras either do not apply or must be modified for dedicated detectors.

Quantitative background parenchymal uptake on molecular breast imaging and breast cancer risk: a case-control study.

Background: Background parenchymal uptake (BPU), which refers to the level of Tc-99m sestamibi uptake within normal fibroglandular tissue on molecular breast imaging (MBI), has been identified as a breast cancer risk factor, independent of mammographic density. Prior analyses have used subjective categories to describe BPU. We evaluate a new quantitative method for assessing BPU by testing its reproducibility, comparing quantitative results with previously established subjective BPU categories, and determining the association of quantitative BPU with breast cancer risk.

Molecular Breast Imaging: Administered Activity Does Not Require Adjustment Based on Patient Size.

At our institution, molecular breast imaging (MBI) is performed with 300 MBq of Tc-sestamibi for all patients. For some nuclear medicine procedures, administered activity or imaging time is increased for patients of larger size to obtain adequate counts. Our objective was to assess whether uptake of Tc-sestamibi in the breast is influenced by patient size.

BEST PRACTICES IN MOLECULAR BREAST IMAGING: A GUIDE FOR TECHNOLOGISTS.

Molecular breast imaging (MBI) technologists are required to possess a combination of nuclear medicine skills and mammographic positioning techniques. Currently, no formal programs offer this type of hybrid technologist training. The purpose of this perspective is to provide a best practices guide for technologists performing MBI.

Improved visualization of breast tissue on a dedicated breast PET system through ergonomic redesign of the imaging table.

Background: Breast lesions closer than 2 cm to the chest wall are difficult to position in the field of view of dedicated breast PET (db-PET) systems. This inability to detect such lesions is a significant limitation of these systems. The primary objective of this study was to determine if modifications to the design of the imaging table and detector used for a db-PET system would enable improved visualization of breast tissue close to the chest wall.

Factors influencing the uptake of 99mTc-sestamibi in breast tissue on molecular breast imaging.

Unlabelled: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of changes to a patient's prandial status, metabolic status (rest vs. exercise), and peripheral blood flow (via caffeine or warming) on the uptake of (99m)Tc-sestamibi in breast tissue.

Methods: A total of 154 subjects participated in 1 of 4 study groups that evaluated the effects of 4 types of intervention on the uptake of (99m)Tc-sestamibi in breast tissue (effect of fasting, light exercise, caffeine, and peripheral warming).

Adsorption of 99mTc-sestamibi onto plastic syringes: evaluation of factors affecting the degree of adsorption and their impact on clinical studies.

Unlabelled: The purpose of this study was to document the extent of adhesion of (99m)Tc-sestamibi to syringes in patient procedures, determine factors that influence the degree of adhesion, and evaluate alternatives to our current practice that would either result in a more reproducible degree of adhesion or, ideally, eliminate adhesion.

Methods: The extent of adhesion was documented in 216 patient procedures and evaluated in detail in an additional 73 patient procedures. We evaluated the nature of the adhesion and its possible causes, including the location of adhesion in injection sets, the effect of syringe type, and the effect of prerinsing of syringes with various solutions of nonradiolabeled sestamibi and (99m)Tc-sestamibi.