Dihydroxy-phenylalanine (DOPA) is an endogenous precursor of amino acids and messenger substances. Using 18F-DOPA, special tumors that may produce hormones (pheochromocytomas, paragangliomas) and their metastases are detected.
18F-DOPA-PET / CT detects a tiny metastasis (arrows) of a pheochromocytoma, which is practically not visible on the CT.
Unfortunately, 18F-DOPA-PET is not reimbursed by the health insurance company. For this examination, it is necessary to obtain a confirmation of costs from the referring doctor in advance, or the costs incurred must partly be borne by the patient himself.
Details see PDF, page 105ffIn addition, for licensing reasons, the substance is only produced a few days per month in France and has to be imported. You can therefore expect a certain waiting time.
Senior Attending Physician, Vice Director of the Institute, Department of Nuclear Medicine
Attending Physician, Department of Nuclear Medicine
Attending Physician, Department of Nuclear Medicine
Attending Physician with extended responsibilites, Department of Nuclear Medicine
Attending Physician, Department of Nuclear Medicine
Attending Physician with extended responsibilites, Department of Nuclear Medicine
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