Octreoscan in the detection of neuroendocrine tumours : a study evaluating the value of octreoscan imaging at a general state hospital in Malta

Abstract

Neuroendocrine tumours (NET's) are rare tumours that arise in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. They could be situated in the bronchopulmonary system, as well as in the GI tract, such as the small intestine. Certain types of NET's are also found in organs such as the pancreas. Examples of these tumours are Insulinoma, which secretes high levels of insulin, and Gastrinoma, which secretes high levels of gastrin. Other types of NET's are carcinoid tumours. These tumours are a rare form of NET, and are mostly found in the GI tract. The objective of this study was to determine whether the report obtained from the Octreoscan made an impact on the patient's management in Malta. All patients undergoing an Octreoscan at the Malta General State Hospital were included in this study. Reports of the Octreoscan performed, and those of other related imaging examinations were retrieved from the computer system of the Medical Imaging Department. Any change in treatment was then sought from the patient's medical records. All the necessary data was documented with the help of a checklist. 57% of the patients included in this study had a change in their treatment that was effected from the Octreoscan results. Any impact on management in the remaining 43% was not due to results obtained from the Octreoscan, but from those of other imaging examinations or other tests. These results do not coincide with results obtained in foreign literature, mainly due to the small number of participants in this study.