germanium and Brain-Neoplasms

A comparison is presented of the image quality obtained with a 70 mm Ge(Li) detector scanner and with routine techniques based on NaI (Tl) detectors. One hundred and sixty-five pairs of brain scans have been examined for which the patients have been scanned with both Ge(Li) and NaI (Tl) detectors. It is concluded that no major difficulties exist in introducing Ge(Li) scanners and that while a comparison of scans from different instruments is difficult there is evidence that improved diagnostic information may be obtained from scanners with Ge(Li) detectors.

Topics: Brain Diseases; Brain Neoplasms; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Germanium; Humans; Iodides; Radionuclide Imaging; Semiconductors

The element germanium is widely distributed in nature. It is used in industry as a semiconductor and there have been a few attempts to use it in medicine. In the past few years 20 patients have been described in the literature as suffering from germanium overdosage. Like laboratory animals affected by the element, they suffer from renal failure and injury to other organs. We describe a 52-year old man given germanium to prevent recurrence of a brain tumor. He developed multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and died of intractable hyperdynamic shock. We call for caution regarding morbidity resulting from treatments believed safe.

Topics: Animals; Brain Neoplasms; Fatal Outcome; Germanium; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Organ Failure; Recurrence; Shock

Topics: Animals; Arsenic; Brain Neoplasms; Chromium Isotopes; Copper; Gallium; Germanium; Iron Isotopes; Mercury Isotopes; Mice; Neoplasm Transplantation; Neoplasms, Experimental; Phosphorus Isotopes; Potassium Isotopes; Radiography; Radionuclide Imaging; Technetium