Comparison of 99M Technetium Sestamibi Brain Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) with Computed Tomography (CT) & Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in Differentiating Tumor Recurrence From Radiation Necrosis in Post Therapeutic Gliomas

Malignant gliomas account for 60 % of all primary brain tumours routine treatment for gliomas consists of surgical resection, adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. During follow-up discrimination between tumour recurrence and Radiation necrosis is required. In the present study we compared 99mTc Sestamibi brain SPECT with CT & MRI in differentiating tumour recurrence from radiation necrosis in post therapeutic gliomas. Total of 36 patients of gliomas post surgery and Radiotherapy presenting with clinical deterioration willing to participate in the study were included. Out of 36 patients the sensitivity and specificity of 99mTC Sestamibi were 92.86 % and 95.45 %. Sensitivity and specificity of MRI were 92.86 % and 72.73 %. Sensitivity and specificity of CT were 92.86 % and 63.64 % respectively. In patients of glioma onfollow-up, 99mTC Sestamibi Brain SPECT showed great diagnostic accuracy to discriminate tumour recurrence from radiation necrosis when compared to CT scan & MRI.99mTC Sestamibi brain SPECT may be used as a useful tool in establishing prognosis of glioma patients at the end of radiation & chemotherapy.