MIBG Scan

MIBG stands for metaiodobenzylguanidine. An MIBG scan (iodine-123 or iodine-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy) is a nuclear medicine imaging test in which a radioiodinated tracer resembling norepinephrine is injected and taken up by adrenergic tissue. It is used to detect and localize pheochromocytomas and related neuroendocrine tumors and to evaluate for multifocal or metastatic disease.

A typical MIBG scan involves injection of a radioactive tracer followed by one or more imaging sessions. Each session usually takes about 30–60 minutes, but you’ll have waiting periods after injection. Many centers obtain images at several timepoints (e.g., immediate/4–6 hours and delayed at ~24–48 hours), so the whole process can span several hours up to one or two days.

Costs vary widely. In the United States an MIBG scan typically ranges from about $1,000 to $5,000 (depending on hospital, radiotracer and insurance). In the UK it’s covered by the NHS but private scans can run several hundred to ~£1,200. In India prices generally range roughly ₹5,000–₹30,000. Final cost depends on location, tracer (I‑123 vs I‑131), and facility fees.

MIBG (metaiodobenzylguanidine) imaging detects tumors of sympathetic neuroendocrine origin: neuroblastoma (common in children), pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, and can localize metastatic disease. It may also identify some other NETs with catecholamine uptake such as certain carcinoid or medullary thyroid carcinomas, though sensitivity varies; uptake depends on tumor norepinephrine transporter expression. It's used for staging and therapy selection.

A MIBG scan is a nuclear medicine test that uses radiolabeled metaiodobenzylguanidine to image cells that take up adrenergic neurotransmitters. It’s used to detect, localize and stage neuroendocrine tumours—particularly neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma—identify metastatic disease, assess recurrence, and determine suitability for MIBG-targeted radiotherapy or monitor treatment response. It provides whole‑body imaging to guide management.

The first-choice imaging to localize most pheochromocytomas is contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis. MRI is preferred when CT is contraindicated (pregnancy, contrast allergy) or for suspected extra‑adrenal/paraganglioma. For multifocal, metastatic, or genetically associated disease, functional PET imaging (eg, 68Ga‑DOTATATE or 18F‑FDOPA PET/CT) offers higher sensitivity. Biochemical testing should precede imaging.