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Ethnic differences exist among patients with Parkinson disease (PD). PD is more common in the White than the African American population. This study aimed to explore whether differences exist in [123I]ioflupane binding, which reflects dopamine transporter binding, between African American and White individuals. Methods: Medical charts were reviewed for patients who underwent [123I]ioflupane SPECT imaging as part of routine practice in a single academic medical center. All images were visually graded as showing normal or abnormal presynaptic dopaminergic function (normal or abnormal scan status). Quantitative [123I]ioflupane uptake as measured by the specific binding ratios in the right and left striata and their subregions (caudate nucleus and anterior and posterior putamen) and by bilateral putamen-to-caudate ratios were compared between African American and White patients using multiple linear regression adjusted for age, sex, and abnormal scan status. Additional models included an ethnicity–by–abnormal-scan-status interaction term to determine whether abnormal scan status was modulated by ethnicity effect. Results: The percentage of patients with abnormal scan status was comparable between African American and White patients. Compared with White patients (n = 173), African American patients (n = 82) had statistically significantly higher uptake as measured by specific binding ratios in the right and left striata and some of their subregions (right and left caudate nuclei and right posterior putamen). Ethnicity–by–abnormal-scan-status interactions were not statistically supported for any models. Conclusion: We observed differences in [123I]ioflupane binding between African American and White patients independent of presynaptic dopaminergic dysfunction status. Future studies are needed to examine whether and how ethnicity affects dopamine transporter binding activities and its clinical relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This case report details a 57-year-old African American man with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). The patient underwent positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using gallium Ga 68 dotatate, which localized the tumors. Selected tumors were treated with 4 doses of 200 mCi of lutetium Lu 177 dotatate during a period of 8 months. At the conclusion of treatment, the patient demonstrated improvement, progressing from bedbound and confused to ambulatory and coherent. In addition, the patient stated he felt no adverse effects. Discussion Pancreatic NETs are rare tumors affecting 0.001% of the population. These tumors are associated with various symptoms and are classified as functional or nonfunctional. Imaging modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and gallium Ga 68--labeled PET, are essential in detecting and evaluating pancreatic NETs. For patients with localized NETs, the primary treatment is surgery; however, the radiopharmaceuticals yttrium Y 90 microspheres and lutetium Lu 177 dotatate are used as therapy to treat nonresectable tumors. Conclusion Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate is used in NET cases that are deemed inoperable and for patients who are not responding to treatment. This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining imaging with Ga 68--labeled PET and treatment with lutetium Lu 177 dotatate. This treatment is not a cure but has been shown to improve a patient's quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the current article is to describe how to improve the quality of imaging with 123I-ioflupane SPECT and to serve as a teaching tool on this topic. The radiopharmaceutical 123I-ioflupane is used to visualize the nigrostriatal pathway. Parkinson disease and parkinsonian syndromes are movement disorders that exhibit nigrostriatal degeneration, with a decreased dopamine transporter level in the pathway and thus a decreased 123I-ioflupane distribution. Other nonparkinsonian movement disorders, such as essential tremor, will have intact dopaminergic neurons and exhibit a normal distribution of the radiopharmaceutical throughout the striata. Parkinsonian disorders are usually diagnosed clinically. However, 123I-ioflupane SPECT can be a valuable tool when the clinical features are not sufficiently clear. 123I-ioflupane SPECT image interpretation is not always straightforward. Many pitfalls, including biologic factors, technical factors, medications, and factors such as age, race, ethnicity, and body habitus, can make the interpretation challenging. The technologist and nuclear radiologist must identify the expected imaging findings to avoid the most common mistakes related to artifacts. This article reviews the usual pitfalls and artifacts of 123I-ioflupane SPECT that can compromise an accurate diagnosis and lead to misinterpretation of image findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This case study details a rare orbital metastasis originating from the gastrointestinal tract. A patient presented with proptosis of the right eye precipitated by a slow-growing orbital tumor. A biopsy confirmed a low-grade neuroendocrine tumor. Imaging studies were completed, with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the orbits providing the most detailed images of the mass. Fusion software images were created from the MR images and indium In 111 pentetreotide (octreoscan) studies, which confirmed the presence of the neuroendocrine carcinoid tumor. Discussion Orbital metastases are a rare condition associated with various symptoms, most commonly proptosis and diplopia. Imaging modalities, such as MR, computed tomography, and nuclear medicine technology, are instrumental in detecting and assessing these masses. Fusion imaging software can provide additional opportunities for facilities without hybrid scanners. The treatment of choice for orbital metastases is octreotide therapy; however, radiation therapy, partial or complete surgical removal of the tumor, and chemotherapy also are used. Conclusion Traditional imaging techniques and fusion imaging techniques are essential for diagnosing and treating orbital metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents case study of a 14-year-old African-American women who was diagnosed with Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare, nonmalignant disease that primarily affects children and young adults. It mentions that overlying hyperpigmented, exophytic nodules and indurated plaques recurred on the anterior left thigh. It presents information on use of treatment with oral methotrexate as well as topical and intralesional corticosteroids was initiated and continued for considerable months.