Comparison of 18F-FDG and 68Ga DOTATATE PET/CT in localization of tumor causing oncogenic osteomalacia

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome, usually caused by small benign mesenchymal tumors. The localization of these tumors is challenging, however, essential for the management. We compared the utility of F-FDG PET/CT and Ga DOTATATE PET/CT to detect the site of primary tumor in patients with suspicion of TIO.

Retrospective analysis of 6 patients with hypophosphatemic osteomalacia and suspicion of TIO was performed. Ga DOTATATE PET/CT study was performed in all 6 patients to localize the tumor. F-FDG PET/CT was performed in 4 of 6 patients. F-FDG and Ga DOTATATE PET/CT studies were performed within 1 week of each other. Both studies were interpreted blindly without the knowledge of other imaging findings.

All patients had symptoms of osteomalacia and hypophosphatemia. All except 1 patient had increased level of fibroblast growth factor 23. The lag time (symptoms to PET diagnosis) ranged from 1.5 to 22 years. In 4 patients, where both studies were performed, F-FDG and Ga DOTATATE PET/CT were able to localize the tumor in 2 and 3 patients. Ga DOTATATE PET/CT detected tumor in 5 (83.3%) of 6 patients.

Ga DOTATATE PET/CT performed better than F-FDG PET/CT and is useful in the detection of tumors causing oncogenic osteomalacia. Therefore, in clinically suspected cases of hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, Ga DOTATATE PET/CT may be performed as first-line imaging investigation to avoid delay in the treatment of this devastating but curable disease. However, further studies with large patient population are warranted to validate our data.