MIBG scans use a radioactive compound to detect nerve tumors, commonly used for neuroblastoma and pheochromocytoma in children. The procedure is painless with few risks, and results help determine treatment.
A MIBG scan is a painless imaging test that is used to check for two common types of nerve tumors. MIBG stands for metaiodobenzylguanidine, a radioactive compound containing the isotope iodine-123. A small amount of the compound is injected into the bloodstream and given about a day to circulate throughout the body. A specialized type of radiology machine is then used to check for any unusually heavy concentrations of MIBG, which are indicative of a tumor. MIBG scan results help doctors make correct diagnoses and determine the best course of treatment.
Doctors usually do MIBG scans to look for tumors of neuroblastoma or pheochromocytoma, two cancers commonly seen in infants and young children. Young patients who have abdominal pain, tremors, and worsening sweating are scheduled for scans if the simplest imaging tests and blood tests fail to uncover a cause. An adult patient who develops suspicious symptoms may also need a MIBG scan. The procedure is helpful because the radioactive material tends to collect within tumors as it disperses lightly and evenly throughout the body. When a MIBG scan is performed, the scanner detects gamma rays emitted by the decaying iodine isotope.
Patients are usually instructed to stop taking non-vital medications for a few days before testing to avoid adverse drug reactions. An oral solution of supersaturated potassium iodide, which helps protect the thyroid gland from harmful radiation, is often prescribed to be taken before, during, and after a MIBG scan. On the first day of the test, an intravenous needle is used to inject a carefully measured dose of MIBG into the hand or foot. No special tracking is needed until the next day.
When it’s time for the MIBG scan, the patient is asked to lie down on a table and stay as still as possible. The scanning machine is placed close to the patient’s body and turned on. During the test, several dozen images are collected, which can take from one to three hours to complete. Dietary and drug restrictions are usually lifted immediately after the procedure and the patient can go home if he is healthy enough to do so. It may take a few days for the test results to be thoroughly analyzed by a team of radiologists.
There are few risks with MIBG scans, and most patients feel no discomfort during or after the test. Radiation exposure is low and remaining iodine tracers are completely excreted within a few days in the urine. Patients who test positive for tumors are treated accordingly with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Follow-up MIBG scans may be suggested after treatment to make sure the tumors are responding.
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