octreotide scan
Pronunciation: OCK-tree-oh-tide skan
A nuclear medicine imaging technique using radiolabeled somatostatin analog to detect neuroendocrine tumors.
Full Definition
An octreotide scan, also known as somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS), is a specialized nuclear medicine imaging study that utilizes indium-111 labeled octreotide to identify neuroendocrine tumors expressing somatostatin receptors. The radiotracer binds to somatostatin receptors on tumor cells, allowing visualization of primary and metastatic disease sites. This imaging modality is particularly valuable for staging gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, detecting occult disease, and assessing somatostatin receptor expression to guide targeted therapy decisions. The scan typically involves imaging at 4 and 24 hours post-injection, with SPECT imaging for better anatomical localization.
Usage
Usage note: Write as two words: 'octreotide scan.' May be capitalized as 'OctreoScan' when referring to the proprietary formulation.
In Context
- "Octreotide scan demonstrated multiple hepatic metastases with intense somatostatin receptor uptake." — Nuclear medicine report
- "The negative octreotide scan suggested low somatostatin receptor expression, precluding peptide receptor therapy." — Oncology consultation note