Normal Variants, Pitfalls and Artifacts in Ga-68 DOTATATE PET/CT Imaging

Indium 111 DTPA Octreotide (Octreoscan) has been the pillar of Somatostatin receptor (SSTRs) imaging in nuclear medicine for over three decades. The advent PET/CT brought new analogs somatostatin that have higher affinity and improved resolution due to their labeling Gallium 68 positron imaging. most used include DOTATATE, DOTATOC DOTANOC. However, 68–1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA)-octreotate (DOTATATE) is probably common non-FDG (fluoro-2-deoxy glucose) PET tracer alongside PSMA (prostate specific membrane antigen). In contrast F18-labeled FDG, it does not require proximity a cyclotron availability Ga68 generator. DOTATATE analog which allows whole body receptors on cell surfaces. 68Ga-DOTA compounds provide standard well-differentiated (Grade 1 low grade 2) neuro-endocrine tumors (NETs) utilized staging characterization restaging patients with NETs. 68Ga complementary role 18F-FDG where may exhibit varying degrees differentiation. It furthermore application as prelude therapy selecting peptide radionuclide using theranostic approach. A sound knowledge normal biodistribution radiotracer imperative optimal patient outcome avoid potential false positives such inflammation, pancreatic uncinate process uptake osteoblastic activity. this review, we will describe appearances pitfalls support images aid improving interpretation crucial innovative tool management individuals expressing SSTRs.