Limitations of Gallium-67 SPECT in histological transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: an analysis of 13 patients with clinically suspected Richter's syndrome

Br J Haematol. 2002 Nov;119(2):484-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2141.2002.03788.x.

Abstract

Gallium-67 single photon emission computerized tomography (Ga-67 SPECT) was performed in 13 chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients suspected of evolution into diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLCL) or Richter's syndrome (RS). Six positive and nine negative Ga-67 SPECTs were observed. Ten patients were biopsied (five in each group). DLCL was not detected in any Ga-67-positive patient, including those in whom Ga-67-positive areas were biopsied. The only case of DLCL was demonstrated in a Ga-67-negative patient. The tumoral proliferative index (Ki67 antigen expression) was moderate and similar in both groups of patients. These results illustrate the limitations of Ga-67 SPECT in identifying RS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Gallium Radioisotopes*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / diagnostic imaging*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon*

Substances

  • Gallium Radioisotopes