Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
10:02
Whole-body PET/MRI of Pediatric Patients: The Details That Matter
Published on: December 19, 2017
Colchicine must be stopped before imaging with [18F]-methylcholine PET/CT
Mark J Roef1, Henk van der Poel, Conny J van der Laken
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Netherlands Cancer Institute – Antoni van Leeuwenhoek hospital, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Nuclear Medicine Communications
|November 20, 2010
Summary
A patient taking colchicine showed abnormal [18F]-methylcholine PET/CT scans, with no tumor uptake. Discontinuing colchicine normalized the scan, suggesting drug interference with choline pathway imaging.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Imaging
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Choline is essential for cell membrane synthesis and its uptake pathway is used for tumor imaging.
- Prostate carcinoma restaging often utilizes [18F]-methylcholine Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT).
Observation:
- A patient undergoing routine [18F]-methylcholine PET/CT for prostate cancer restaging exhibited unexpected findings.
- Only circulating [18F]-methylcholine was visualized, with no active uptake in any organ, rendering the scan uninterpretable.
Findings:
- The patient was taking colchicine daily for gout.
- Discontinuation of colchicine led to normalized [18F]-methylcholine biodistribution.
- This suggests colchicine interferes with the choline uptake pathway.
Implications:
- Colchicine can significantly impact the accuracy of molecular imaging utilizing the choline pathway.
- This interaction may affect imaging of various conditions, not limited to tumors.
- Further research is needed to understand the precise mechanism and extent of this drug-imaging interaction.
![PET Imaging of Neuroinflammation Using [11C]DPA-713 in a Mouse Model of Ischemic Stroke](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F57243.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Related Concept Videos
01:14Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
01:10Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
01:30Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Radiological investigations, including X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, are critical for diagnosing and evaluating various medical conditions. These imaging techniques provide valuable insights into the body's internal structures, aiding in the detection of abnormalities, assessment of disease progression, and development of treatment strategies. This article delves into two primary radiological investigations, chest X-rays and CT scans, outlining their purpose, procedures, and the...
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Radiological investigations are paramount in the diagnosis and management of various pulmonary diseases. Two essential investigations are the Pulmonary Angiogram and the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan.
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...
01:25Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that provides crucial insights into the body's physiological functions at a molecular level. It is an indispensable resource for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various illnesses, notably cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Fundamental Principles of PET
Fundamental Principles of PET
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...