Brown adipose tissue: evaluation with 201Tl and 99mTc-sestamibi dual-tracer SPECT

Ann Nucl Med. 2004 Sep;18(6):547-9. doi: 10.1007/BF02984575.

Abstract

Brown adipose tissue is one kind of adipose tissue and regulates body temperature and balance of energy via non-shivering thermogenesis. The authors present a case that strongly suggested the presence of activated brown adipose tissue in the neck, shoulders and axillary space by increased 18F-FDG uptake. 99mTc-sestamibi and 201Tl dual-tracer SPECT study showed increased 99mTc-sestamibi uptake and non-increased 201Tl uptake in the corresponding 18F-FDG uptake sites. Brown adipose tissue has dense mitochondria in the cells, which play an important role in thermogenesis. 99mTc-sestamibi uptake and retention depend on the mitochondrial activity but 201Tl uptake does not. Therefore, the activity of mitochondria in activated brown adipose tissue may explain the discrepant uptake between 99mTc-sestamibi and 201Tl.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / metabolism*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / pharmacokinetics
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi / pharmacokinetics*
  • Thallium / pharmacokinetics*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • thallium chloride
  • Technetium Tc 99m Sestamibi
  • Thallium