18F-6-Fluoro-l-Dopa PET/CT Imaging of Congenital Hyperinsulinism

J Nucl Med. 2021 Jul;62(Suppl 2):51S-56S. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.120.246033.

Abstract

Congenital hyperinsulinism is characterized by persistent hypoglycemia due to inappropriate excess secretion of insulin resulting in hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia. The clinical course varies from mild to severe, with a significant risk for brain damage. Imaging plays a valuable role in the care of infants and children with severe hypoglycemia unresponsive to medical therapy. 18F-6-fluoro-l-dopa PET/CT is the method of choice for the detection and localization of a focal lesion of hyperinsulinism. Surgical resection of a focal lesion can lead to a cure with limited pancreatectomy. This article reviews the role of 18F-6-fluoro-l-dopa PET/CT in the management of this vulnerable population.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01916148.

Keywords: 18F-FDOPA; congenital hyperinsulinism; hyperinsulinism.

MeSH terms

  • Congenital Hyperinsulinism*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Levodopa
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*

Substances

  • Levodopa

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01916148