The utility of near infrared autofluorescence imaging for detecting small bowel carcinoid tumors in comparison to DOTATATE PET: A pilot study

Background Small bowel carcinoid (SBC) primary tumors can be multifocal in 40%–55% of patients and challenging to detect. Near infrared autofluorescence (NIRAF) is used for detection of parathyroid glands. It is unknown if this technology can be used to identify SBCs and how it would compare with current imaging modalities. Methods This was a prospective institutional review board‐approved pilot study of three patients undergoing resection of SBCs. NIRAF was used to image SBCs and mesenteric lymph nodes intraoperatively and at back table. Findings were compared with preoperative imaging, surgical exploration and pathology. Statistics were performed using Mann–Whitney U test. Results Eleven SBCs and 12 mesenteric lymph nodes were analyzed. All SBCs had a brighter focal autofluorescence (AF) signal compared to background. Normalized pixel intensity of SBCs was 2.2 (0.7) and normal small bowel 1.4 (0.6) (p