Evaluation of planar scintimammography with 99mTc-MIBI in the detection of axillary lymph node metastases of breast carcinoma

Purpose. The aim of our prospective study was to evaluate the role of planar scintimammography with Tc-99m-MIBI in detecting axillary lymph node metastases in women with primary breast carcinoma. Material and Methods: Fifty-eight patients underwent scintimammography prior to axillary lymph node dissection. Ten minutes after injection of 700 MBq Tc-99m-MIBI, two prone lateral projections were obtained, followed by a supine anterior projection. Sixty-one axillae (3 bilateral) were operated upon and the status of the lymph nodes verified with histopathology. The scintigraphic result was compared to the histopathologic findings. Results: A sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 80% of planar scintimammography in detecting axillary lymph node metastases were achieved. Conclusion: Scintimammography with Tc-99m-MIBI is not recommended as a routine method for the detection of axillary lymph node metastases in patients with breast carcinoma.