Anyone have DOTATATE PET scan say radiotracer uptake in spine?

Somatostatin receptors are abundant in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). However, somatostatin receptors can also be present on the immune and inflammatory cells associated with arthritis.

I had increased radiotracer uptake in a couple of areas which were interpreted as inflammation. I have an autoimmune condition which involves chronic inflammatory arthritis. Otherwise, the areas with the more intense radio tracer uptake were NETs.

Thank you.

I recently had a scan like that and it showed something on my T10 vertebrae. I had a MRI also and it still showed up. Two weeks ago I had a needle biopsy along with a drill inserted in the bone for a biopsy and the results were rare benign tumor!

@rdiaz1998 I agree with @dadcue. My NETs has spread to my bones. I also have had back surgery and have arthritis in my spine. I too have had increased radiotracer uptake in areas that are not associated with my NETs. The easiest way to tell is with subsequent scans. The metastasis usually goes away. The back issues radiotracer uptake remain. Now that it has been documented in multiple scans, we all know what is metastasis and what is from back issues.

@rdiaz1998, have you had a chance to review the results of the DOTATATE PET scan with your NETs specialist? What did you find out?

@colleenyoung hi, my oncologist agrees with the radiologist, it's inflammation in areas where my degenerative disc disease is worst.

Yes, here too. Conclusion was mild degeneration.