How does iliac crest bone marrow biopsy compare with imaging in the detection of bone metastases in small cell lung cancer?

Iliac crest bone marrow biopsy (BMB) has often been used as the gold standard for the detection of bone marrow metastases in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, it is likely to lead to numerous false-negative results. For this reason, we compared the results of bone scintigraphy (BS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and BMB in 48 sequential patients affected with pathologically confirmed SCLC (47 were evaluable; mean age, 58.4 years). The three procedures were carried out within 1 week, no treatment being performed during this period. Whole-body scans and spot views were obtained in the anterior and posterior projections. For MRI, only the thoracolumbar spine, the sternum and the pelvis were scanned, using spin-echo T1-weighted sequences, resulting in an acquisition time of less than 45 min. Only five BMBs were rated as positive. In these cases, both BS and MRI were also positive. The other 42 biopsies were negative. Among them, in ten cases both BS and MRI were positive. In 21 cases, both BS and MRI were negative. In five cases MRI was positive while BS was negative. Finally, in six cases MRI was negative whilst BS was positive. In most cases in which either BS or MRI was positive, follow-up scans confirmed the initial findings. This study suggests that BMB is more invasive and less sensitive than BS or MRI in detecting bone metastases. MRI seems to be more sensitive than BS in detecting small spinal or pelvic metastases. Whole-body bone scintigraphy is more sensitive in detecting skull, costal or peripheral metastases. BS and MRI should be used in combination and may replace BMB in the detection of bone metastases in SCLC. Correspondence to: I. Perrin-Resche     

ROC曲线评价18F—FDGPET／CT、99Tcm—MDP骨显像及二者联合对骨转移的检出效能

目的采用ROC曲线比较18F-FDGPET／CT、99TcmMDP骨显像及二者联合对骨转移患者的检出效能。方法296例恶性肿瘤患者在2个月内同时接受了18F-FDGPET／CT和99TcmMDP骨显像,对2种显像结果按5分法（0分：骨转移阴性,1分：可能阴性,2分：不能确定,3分：可能阳性,4分：肯定阳性）分别评分,两者之和为联合评分值。以病理诊断或临床随访为确诊“金标准”,采用。检验比较ROC曲线下面积,以评价骨显像、PET／CT及联合评分法对骨转移患者的检出效能,采用r检验比较不同方法在各自最佳诊断阈值下的灵敏度、特异性、准确性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值。结果296例患者中,确诊骨转移阳性61例（占20．6％）、阴性235例（占79．4％）。骨显像、PET／CT及联合评分诊断骨转移的ROC曲线下面积（95％可信区间）分别为0．919（0．867—0．971）、0．949（0．906～0．991）、0．994（0．988～0．999）,联合评分法的曲线下面积明显大于骨显像（z=2．866,P=0．004）和PET／CT（z=2．027,P=0．043）各自单独评分法,骨显像和PET／CT法曲线下面积差异没有统计学意义（z=0．881,P=0．378）。最佳阈值点下,骨显像和PET／CT单独检出骨转移患者的灵敏度、特异性、准确性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为90．2％（55／61）、85．1％（200／235）、86．1％（255／296）、61．1％（55／90）、97．1％（200／206）和88．5％（54／61）、97．0％（228／235）、95．3％（282／296）、88．5％（54／61）、97．0％（228／235）,而联合评分检出的结果分别为98．4％（60／61）、95．7％（225／235）、96．3％（285／296）、85．7％（60／70）、99．6％（225／226）。PET／CT对骨转移患者检出的特异性（X2=19．600,P〈0．001）、准确性（X2=13．755,P〈0．001）、阳性预测值（x2=13．608,P〈0．001）均高于骨显像,灵敏度（r=0,P=1．000）差异无统计学意义;与骨显像、PET／CT单独评分比较,联合评分法检出的特异性（X2=19．862,P〈0．001）、准确性（x2=23．361,P〈0．001）和阳性预测值（x2=11．791,P=0．001）均明显高于骨显像,灵敏度明显高于PET／CT（x2=4．167,P=0．031）。结论18F—FDGPET／CT对骨转移患者的检出效能优于99Tcm—MDP骨显像,二者联合明显提高了对骨转移患者的检出率。     

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging for detecting bone metastases: comparison with bone scintigraphy

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the reliability of whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) in detecting skeletal metastasis and to compare the results with those of bone scintigraphy (BS).

Materials and methods

Thirty-three patients (21 women, 12 men, median age 58 years, range 27–78) were enrolled. Histological proof of malignancy was obtained in all cases. The primary tumour was unknown in 1 patient. BS and WB-MRI were performed as staging procedures in 15 patients, during the follow-up in 6 and to investigate pain in 9 and neurological symptoms in 3. Bone metastases were recorded for 8 different skeletal segments (ribs, skull, cervicothoracic spine, lumbosacral spine, clavicle-scapula-sternum, pelvis, upper extremities and lower extremities) in all patients, for a total of 264 examined areas.

Results

Bone metastases were detected in 18 patients (55%). In 15/33 patients, WB-MRI and BS were concordantly negative. BS revealed focal metastatic uptake in 72%, whereas WB-MRI was positive in 89%. Results differed in seven patients. WB-MRI was positive but BS was negative in five cases. Two patients with negative WB-MRI had focal and intense uptake in the ribs on BS. Out of 264 examined areas, bone metastases were detected in 34 (13%). WB-MRI revealed tumour spread in 26/34 areas (76%) and BS in 21/34 areas only (62%).

Conclusions

WB-MRI is a reliable method for screening patients with suspected skeletal metastases, although BS still remains a useful tool. WB-MRI is also advantageous because it reveals extraskeletal and soft tissue metastases.     

The detection of bone metastases in patients with high-risk prostate cancer: 99mTc-MDP Planar bone scintigraphy, single- and multi-field-of-view SPECT, 18F-fluoride PET, and 18F-fluoride PET/CT.

The aim of this study was to compare the detection of bone metastases by 99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) planar bone scintigraphy (BS), SPECT, 18F-Fluoride PET, and 18F-Fluoride PET/CT in patients with high-risk prostate cancer. METHODS: In a prospective study, BS and 18F-Fluoride PET/CT were performed on the same day in 44 patients with high-risk prostate cancer. In 20 of the latter patients planar BS was followed by single field-of-view (FOV) SPECT and in 24 patients by multi-FOV SPECT of the axial skeleton. Lesions were interpreted separately on each of the 4 modalities as normal, benign, equivocal, or malignant. RESULTS: In patient-based analysis, 23 patients had skeletal metastatic spread (52%) and 21 did not. Categorizing equivocal and malignant interpretation as suggestive for malignancy, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of planar BS were 70%, 57%, 64%, and 55%, respectively, of multi-FOV SPECT were 92%, 82%, 86%, and 90%, of (18)F-Fluoride PET were 100%, 62%, 74%, and 100%, and of 18F-Fluoride PET/CT were 100% for all parameters. Using the McNemar test, 18F-Fluoride PET/CT was statistically more sensitive and more specific than planar or SPECT BS (P < 0.05) and more specific than 18F-Fluoride PET (P < 0.001). SPECT was statistically more sensitive and more specific than planar BS (P < 0.05) but was less sensitive than 18F-Fluoride PET (P < 0.05). In lesion-based analysis, 156 lesions with increased uptake of 18F-Fluoride were assessed. Based on the corresponding appearance on CT, lesions were categorized by PET/CT as benign (n = 99), osteoblastic metastasis (n = 46), or equivocal when CT was normal (n = 11). Of the 156 18F-Fluoride lesions, 81 lesions (52%), including 34 metastases, were overlooked with normal appearance on planar BS. SPECT identified 62% of the lesions overlooked by planar BS. 18F-Fluoride PET/CT was more sensitive and more specific than BS (P < 0.001) and more specific than PET alone (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: 18F-Fluoride PET/CT is a highly sensitive and specific modality for detection of bone metastases in patients with high-risk prostate cancer. It is more specific than 18F-Fluoride PET alone and more sensitive and specific than planar and SPECT BS. Detection of bone metastases is improved by SPECT compared with planar BS and by 18F-Fluoride PET compared with SPECT. This added value of 18F-Fluoride PET/CT may beneficially impact the clinical management of patients with high-risk prostate cancer.     

Whole body MRI for detecting metastatic bone tumor: comparison with bone scintigrams.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of whole body MRI (WB-MRI [magnetic resonance imaging]) and bone scintigram (BS) at detecting bone metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: WB-MRI was performed on 16 patients for detecting bone metastasis (6 breast carcinoma, 7 prostatic carcinoma, 1 renal cell carcinoma [RCC], 1 hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC], and 1 primary unknown). BS was also performed in all cases. Patients were placed on a table top extender (Philips Medical Systems). The maximal longitudinal field of view (FOV) was 200 cm. At first, the total spine was imaged in the sagittal plane with a three-station approach for two image sets (fast spin-echo [SE] T1-weighted images [T1WI] and short tau inversion recovery [STIR] images). The whole body was then imaged in the coronal plane with a seven-station approach for two image sets (fast field echo [FFE] T1WI and STIR). Total examination time, including patient positioning, was within 40 min. Three independent radiologists interpreted the imaging data. RESULTS: WB-MRI identified 5 cases of 24 lesions as bone metastasis, while BS identified 3 cases of 25 lesions. Concordance between WB-MRI and BS was seen in 3 cases of 22 lesions (81%). For two cases of 2 lesions, which were identified only with WB-MRI, the lesions were located in the sacrum and thoracic spine. For one case of 3 lesions, which was identified only with BS, the lesions were located in the skull and rib. CONCLUSION: WB-MRI was an excellent method for screening bone metastasis, especially the vertebral body.     

CT appearance of bone metastases detected with FDG PET as part of the same PET/CT examination

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate lesion findings at computed tomography (CT) performed as part of a combined positron emission tomography (PET)/CT examination in patients suspected of having metastatic bone lesions-lesions that were detected with fluorine 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET as part of the same examination-and to correlate the CT and FDG PET findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This HIPAA-compliant study had institutional review board approval, and the need for patient informed consent was waived. Three hundred fifty-nine consecutive patients (191 male patients, 168 female patients; mean age, 56.9 years; age range, 8-92 years) underwent PET/CT. PET images were first reviewed by nuclear medicine physicians who had no clinical information regarding the presence or absence of bone metastasis by using a five-point grading system (0, a lesion was definitely negative for metastasis; 1, a lesion was probably negative; 2, a lesion was equivocal; 3, a lesion was probably positive; and 4, a lesion was definitely positive). For lesions assigned a grade of 3 or 4 at PET, CT characteristics such as the presence or absence of morphologic changes or accompanying findings (including bone destruction) were assessed by radiologists on the CT images obtained during the same imaging session. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-nine lesions in 55 patients were considered to be probable or definite bone metastases at PET. One hundred thirty-three of these lesions in 33 patients were clinically confirmed to be bone metastases at follow-up and/or histopathologic examination. CT revealed osteolytic changes in 41 (31%) and osteoblastic changes in 21 (16%) of the 133 lesions, but no or nonspecific changes were seen at CT in 49 (37%) and 22 lesions (17%), respectively. Of the 179 lesions suspected at PET, 46 ultimately proved to be nonosseous or false-positive for bone metastasis. Of these 46 lesions, 38 were not located in the bone but in adjacent tissues such as the pleura. CONCLUSION: CT images obtained as part of PET/CT scanning were useful in yielding the precise location of bone lesions and thus helping avoid misdiagnosis of bone metastasis; however, CT revealed morphologic changes in only half of the lesions assigned a grade of 3 or 4 at PET.     

18F-Fluoride PET/CT is highly effective for excluding bone metastases even in patients with equivocal bone scintigraphy

Purpose

Bone scintigraphy (BS) has been used extensively for many years for the diagnosis of bone metastases despite its low specificity and significant rate of equivocal lesions. ¹⁸F-Fluoride PET/CT has been proven to have a high sensitivity and specificity in the detection of malignant bone lesions, but its effectiveness in patients with inconclusive lesions on BS is not well documented. This study evaluated the ability of ¹⁸F-fluoride PET/CT to exclude bone metastases in patients with various malignant primary tumours and nonspecific findings on BS.

Methods

We prospectively studied 42 patients (34–88?years of age, 26 women) with different types of tumour. All patients had BS performed for staging or restaging purposes but with inconclusive findings. All patients underwent ¹⁸F-fluoride PET/CT. All abnormalities identified on BS images were visually compared with their appearance on the PET/CT images.

Results

All the 96 inconclusive lesions found on BS images of the 42 patients were identified on PET/CT images. ¹⁸F-Fluoride PET/CT correctly excluded bone metastases in 23 patients (68 lesions). Of 19 patients (28 lesions) classified by PET/CT as having metastases, 3 (5 lesions) were finally classified as free of bone metastases on follow-up. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ¹⁸F-fluoride PET/CT were, respectively, 100?%, 88?%, 84?% and 100?% for the identification of patients with metastases (patient analysis) and 100?%, 82?% and 100?% for the identification of metastatic lesions (lesion analysis).

Conclusion

The factors that make BS inconclusive do not affect ¹⁸F-fluoride PET/CT which shows a high sensitivity and negative predictive value for excluding bone metastases even in patients with inconclusive conventional BS.     

Comparison of (18)F-FDG PET/CT and (99 m)Tc-MDP bone scintigraphy for detection of bone metastasis in osteosarcoma

Objective

We compared the diagnostic performance of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and (99 m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy (BS) for the detection of bone metastasis in osteosarcoma.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed 206 patients with stage II–IV osteosarcoma treated with surgery and chemotherapy as well as at least one paired PET/CT and BS scan (defined as an examination). PET/CT and BS images were interpreted separately. When analyzing the diagnostic yield of a combination of PET/CT and BS (PET/CT+BS), an examination was considered positive if either PET/CT or BS scored positive. The final diagnosis was obtained from histological findings or clinical follow-up with imaging studies for at least 6 months. Diagnostic performances of PET/CT, BS, and their combinations were calculated.

Results

Out of 833 examinations in 206 patients, 55 with 101 lesions in 38 patients were confirmed as bone metastases. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were 95, 98, and 98 %, respectively, for PET/CT; 76, 97, and 96 %, respectively, for BS; and 100, 96, and 97 %, respectively, for PET/CT+BS in an examination-based analysis. Lesion-based analysis demonstrated that the sensitivity of PET/CT+BS (100 %) was significantly higher than that of PET/CT (92 %) or BS (74 %) alone. BS detected significantly less bone metastases in the growth plate region than outside the growth plate region (22 vs. 77 %).

Conclusions

PET/CT is more sensitive and accurate than BS for diagnosing bone metastases in osteosarcoma. The combined use of PET/CT and BS improves sensitivity.     

SPECT/低剂量CT融合显像技术在肺癌骨转移诊断中的应用

目的探讨SPECT/低剂量CT融合显像在肺癌骨转移诊断中的应用价值。方法选取59例肺癌疑似骨转移患者行99m Tc-MDP全身骨显像及SPECT/低剂量CT融合显像,以随访结果或活检病理学检查结果为诊断标准,比较两种检查方式诊断骨转移的灵敏度,特异度,准确率,阴性、阳性预测值,并分析肺癌骨转移影像学表现。结果1)59例肺癌患者疑似骨转移病灶146处,经随访确诊肺癌骨转移病灶115处,其中发生于脊椎51处,占44.35%,胸廓30处,26.09%,骨盆16处,占13.91%,四肢11处,占9.56%,颅骨7处,占6.09%;2)SPECT/低剂量CT融合显像诊断肺癌骨转移灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值及准确率分别为:99.13%、93.55%、98.28%、93.55%、97.95%,均高于SPECT全身显像的97.39%、67.74%、91.80%、87.5%、91.10%,其中特异度、阳性预测值及准确率差异有统计学意义(Fisher=10.144、5.688、7.101,P<0.05);3)鳞癌:脊椎、胸廓、骨盆、四肢、颅骨转移率分别为42.86%、28.57%、14.29%、7.14%、7.14%;溶骨性、成骨性骨破坏分别为75.00%、25.00%;腺癌:脊椎、胸廓、骨盆、四肢、颅骨转移率分别为46.34%、26.83%、13.41%、7.32%、6.10%;溶骨性、成骨性骨破坏分别为68.29%、30.49%,鳞癌、腺癌骨转移部位及骨破坏类型差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论SPECT/低剂量CT融合显像在鉴别诊断肺癌骨转移方面具有良好临床价值,肺腺癌骨转移发生率较高。     

尿I型胶原氨基末端肽辅助骨显像诊断恶性肿瘤骨转移的价值

目的探讨应用尿I型胶原氨基末端肽（uNTX）辅助骨显像诊断恶性肿瘤骨转移的价值。方法选取227例骨显像诊断为可疑骨转移患者,首先测定患者的uNTX,并以其正常参考值上限65nmo]骨胶原当量（BCE）／mmol肌酐（Cr）作为辅助诊断骨转移的临界点：当uNTX〉65nmolBCE／mmolCr判断为骨转移,反之为非骨转移。同时综合CT、MRI、PET／CT等检查进行骨转移的确诊。应用单样本或两样本t检验比较组间uNTX差异;利用ROC曲线对uNTX辅助骨显像诊断骨转移的效能进行评价,确立实验诊断的最佳切点值,并以其为甄别骨转移的标准进行回顾性评价,计算诊断效能。结果227例患者的uNTX为（84．30±13．29）nmolBCE／mmolCr,高于正常参考值上限65nmolBCE／mmolCr（t=21．875．P〈O．01）。UNTX〉65nmolBCE／mmolCr者197例,其中188例由综合检查诊断法确诊为骨转移;UNTX〈65nmolBCE／mmolCr者共30例,其中27例由综合检查诊断法确诊非骨转移。综合检查诊断法确诊为骨转移（191例）与非骨转移（36例）患者的uNTX分别为（88．73±8．37）和（60．76±9．14）nmolBCE／mmolCr（t=-18．134,P〈O．01）。UNTX值辅助骨显像诊断骨转移的灵敏度、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确性、约登指数分别为98．4％（188／191）、75．0％（27／36）、95．4％（188／197）、90．0％（27／30）、94．7％（215／227）、73．4％,曲线下面积0．982;通过ROC曲线确立最佳切点值为78．88nmolBCE／mmolCr,以此切点值为甄别骨转移的界值进行回顾性评价：灵敏度、特异性、阳性预测值、阴性预测值、准确性、约登指数分别为97．4％（186／191）、94．4％（34／36）、98．9％（186／188）、87．2％（34／39）、96．9％（220／227）、91．8％。结论该研究获得的uNTX最佳切点值可以对骨显像中的疑似骨转移病例进行有效甄别,具有较高的临床应用价值。     

Role of 11C-choline PET/CT in the restaging of prostate cancer patients showing a single lesion on bone scintigraphy

Aim

To assess the utility of ¹¹C-choline PET/CT in the restaging of prostate cancer (PC) patients who showed a single finding on bone scintigraphy (BS) that was classified as equivocal or suspected for metastatic lesion.

Materials and methods

A total of 25 PC patients with biochemical failure (mean PSA value 11.1 ng/mL; median value 6.3 ng/mL; range 0.2–37.7 ng/mL) after primary treatment were included in this retrospective study. All of them showed a single lesion on BS reported as suspected for metastatic lesion or as equivocal finding. Patients underwent ¹¹C-choline PET/CT within 1–4 months from BS. Validation was established by follow-up for at least 6 months.

Results

On the basis of biopsy confirmation and/or 6-month follow-up, 22 of 25 patients were classified as positive for the presence of metastatic bone lesions: 13 with a single lesion and 9 with multiple lesions. ¹¹C-choline PET/CT was positive in 19/25 patients and, on a lesion basis, it showed 50 positive findings. BS results were confirmed in 8/25 (32%) patients. ¹¹C-choline PET/CT detected multiple sites of relapse in 11/25 (44%) patients: in 2/11, a single bone lesion associated with other extraosseous sites of relapse; in 6/11, multiple bone lesions; in 3/11, multiple bone lesions and other extraosseous localizations. Finally, 6/25 patients were negative on ¹¹C-choline PET/CT. In 3/6 patients, an osteoblastic lesion was seen on CT attenuation correction images (PET false negative; BS true positive), while in 3/6 patients only findings suggestive of the presence of degenerative disease were found (PET true negative; BS false positive). On a patient basis, ¹¹C-choline PET/CT showed a diagnostic sensitivity of 86% (19/22) and a specificity of 100% (19/19).

Conclusions

In our study, ¹¹C-choline PET/CT detected unknown lesions in 11/25 patients. Patients with a single equivocal finding on BS could have important additional information from ¹¹C-choline PET/CT study, especially in the detection of additional metastases, to choose an appropriate treatment.     

18F-FDG PET as a single imaging modality in pediatric neuroblastoma: comparison with abdomen CT and bone scintigraphy

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ¹⁸F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) as a single imaging agent in neuroblastoma in comparison with other imaging modalities.

Methods

A total of 30 patients with pathologically proven neuroblastoma who underwent FDG PET for staging were enrolled. Diagnostic performance of FDG PET and abdomen CT was compared in detecting soft tissue lesions. FDG PET and bone scintigraphy (BS) were compared in bone metastases. Maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of primary or recurrent lesions was calculated for quantitative analysis.

Results

Tumor FDG uptake was detected in 29 of 30 patients with primary neuroblastoma. On initial FDG PET, SUVmax of primary lesions were lower in early stage (I–II) than in late stage (III–IV) (3.03 vs. 5.45, respectively, p = 0.019). FDG PET was superior to CT scan in detecting distant lymph nodes (23 vs. 18 from 23 lymph nodes). FDG PET showed higher accuracy to identify bone metastases than BS both on patient-based analyses (100 vs. 94.4 % in sensitivity, 100 vs. 77.8 % in specificity), and on lesion-based analyses (FDG PET: 203 lesions, BS: 86 lesions). Sensitivity and specificity of FDG PET to detect recurrence were 87.5 % and 93.8, respectively.

Conclusion

FDG PET was superior to CT in detecting distant LN metastasis and to BS in detecting skeletal metastasis in neuroblastoma. BS might be eliminated in the evaluation of neuroblastoma when FDG PET is performed.     

Prevalence and patterns of bone metastases detected with positron emission tomography using F-18 FDG

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to report the prevalence and imaging characteristics of bone metastases detected with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and, when possible, compare these findings with the performance of bone scans in the same patients. METHODS: The reports of 403 patients with histologically proved malignant disease who underwent a PET scan for initial or post-therapeutic staging were reviewed for the presence of possible bone metastases. Based on the final diagnosis confirmed by histopathologic analysis or clinical follow-up, the PET findings of patients with positive bone metastases were evaluated in terms of location, intensity, and patterns. When the PET scan was positive, the PET results were compared with the findings of available bone scans. RESULTS: PET studies suggested the presence of bone metastases in 38 patients (9%). No follow-up data were available for 9 patients, and the remaining 29 were evaluated further. Of these patients, 6 had false-positive findings, whereas bone metastatic involvement was clinically confirmed in 23 patients. The primary malignant findings included lung cancer (n = 9), esophageal cancer (n = 3), lymphoma (n = 2), melanoma (n = 2), thyroid cancer (n = 2), breast cancer (n = 1), colon cancer (n = 1), prostate cancer (n = 1), testicular cancer (n = 1), and nasopharyngeal cancer (n = 1). On PET, 5 patients had a solitary metastatic focus (22%), and the remaining 18 patients had multiple lesions (78%). The vertebrae were the most frequently involved bones (74%), followed by pelvic bones (70%), ribs (65%), upper extremities including the scapula (48%), sternum (43%), and lower extremities (43%). The patterns of abnormal uptake were classified into three groups: focal (15 patients, 65%), diffuse (2 patients, 9%), and a mixed pattern (6 patients, 26%). Most of the lesions showed intense abnormal uptake (18 patients, 78%); 5 patients had both intense and moderate FDG uptake. Thirteen of the 23 patients with confirmed bone metastases also had a bone scan, which revealed positive bone disease in all of these patients. However, PET consistently revealed more metastatic foci than did the bone scan on a lesion basis. CONCLUSIONS: The most frequent pattern of detectable bone metastases with FDG-PET imaging was multiple foci of intense uptake. PET revealed more lesions than did bone scanning, independent of the type of cancer or location of bone involvement, in patients who were accurately diagnosed by FDG-PET imaging.     

18 F-FDG PET显像与99Tcm-MDP全身骨显像诊断肿瘤远处转移的比较

目的　评价18F 脱氧葡萄糖 (FDG)PET肿瘤显像与99Tcm 亚甲基二膦酸盐 (MDP)全身骨显像对检出骨和远处转移的价值。方法　对 16例恶性肿瘤放化疗后的患者进行18F FDGPET显像和99Tcm MDP全身骨显像 ,并对两种结果进行了比较。结果　 16例肿瘤患者中18F FDGPET显像皆阳性 ,其中 14例患者有远处转移 ,转移病灶共 62处 ,其中骨转移病灶 2 0处 ;在全身骨显像中 ,11例有局限性异常放射性浓聚 ,其中 2例为单一病灶 ,9例为多发病灶 ,共检出病灶 5 7处 ,另 5例骨显像正常。结论　18F FDGPET对恶性肿瘤的诊断具有较高的准确性和特异性 ,但对骨转移灶的诊断价值相对较差 ;99Tcm MDP显像阴性或单一病灶的可疑转移瘤患者有必要进行18F FDGPET检查 ,以明确诊断其他远处转移灶     

Clinical value of including the head and lower extremities in 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging for patients with malignant melanoma

OBJECTIVE: To assess the added benefit of scanning lower extremities and skull in addition to 'skull base to upper thigh' images in PET/CT evaluation of metastatic melanoma. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Reports of consecutive whole-body PET/CT scans from January 2003 to March 2006 in patients with melanoma were retrospectively reviewed. PET abnormalities in the brain/scalp and lower extremities were tabulated by location and whether they were 'anticipated' or 'unanticipated' based on previously available data. Findings were correlated with pathology, other imaging studies, and clinical follow-up. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-six PET/CT examinations in 173 patients with melanoma were included. Twenty-five of the 296 (8.4%) scans showed brain/scalp abnormalities. Of these, only four (1.4% of all scans) showed unanticipated abnormalities: two were false positive findings, and two (0.7% of all scans) represented metastases in addition to multiple other metastases in the usual field of view. Fifty-nine of the 296 (19.9%) scans showed lower extremity abnormalities. Of these, 13 (4.4% of all scans) showed unanticipated abnormalities which were equivocal or suggestive of malignancy: eight (2.7% of all scans) represented metastases in addition to multiple other metastases in the usual field of view, and five represented false positive findings. In no case was an unanticipated isolated malignant lesion identified in the brain/scalp or lower extremities. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with no known or suspected primary or metastatic melanoma involving the head or extremities, inclusion of these regions on PET/CT is of low yield and appears to offer little significant additional benefit, as detection of additional metastases in these patients is unlikely to change clinical management. Routine skull base to upper thigh images may be adequate for this subset of patients with melanoma.     

The value of bone marrow scintigraphy using 99mTc monoclonal antigranulocyte antibodies in complement to bone scintigraphy in detecting bone metastases from primary breast cancer

This prospective study evaluates bone marrow scintigraphy (BMS) in detecting bone metastases from primary breast cancer when performed in complement to conventional bone scan (BS). Sixty women predominantly with low-stage disease underwent BS followed by BMS within 1-35 days using BW250/183 antigranulocyte antibodies. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to compare BS to BS+BMS on a patient-by-patient basis using a 'gold standard' composed of subsequent computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, X-ray or BS examinations and at least a 12 month follow-up. Metastases were present in eight out of 60 patients (13%). Specificity was improved by BS+BMS compared to BS alone (90%, 65%) as well as positive predictive value (62%, 27%), accuracy (87%, 72%), positive (10.4, 2.4) and negative (0.20, 0.00) likelihood ratios. Sensitivity (100%, 88%) and negative predictive value (100%, 97%) were similar for BMS+BS and BS alone. As a result of BMS, clinical management was modified in 15 patients (25%). In conclusion, BMS supplements BS by improving specificity, positive predictive value and accuracy in detecting breast cancer bone metastases. The ROC curves show improved specificity for BS+BMS at the same sensitivity compared to BS alone. Consequently, BMS may be useful in low-stage subjects with positive or equivocal BS for metastases.     

The value of bone scintigraphy,bone marrow scintigraphy and fast spin-echo magnetic resonance imaging in staging of patients with malignant solid tumours: a prospective study

The purpose of this prospective study was to define the value of bone scintigraphy (BS), bone marrow scintigraphy (BMS) and the new fast spin-echo (FSE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences in screening for bone metastases in patients with solid malignant tumours. It was our particular interest to classify patients into a group with and a group without bone metastases, and not only to compare the absolute number of metastases detected by each method. Thirty-two patients were examined using technetium-99m dicarboxy propane diphosphonate bone scintigraphy, ^99mTc-labelled monoclonal anti-granulocyte antibodies for bone marrow scintigraphy and 1.5 T MRI using T1-weighted and FSE T2-weighted sequences. Against a reference standard obtained by re-evaluation of all clinical and imaging data 1 year after prospective BS, BMS and MRI had been performed, the three imaging modalities were falsely positive in two, eight and two cases and falsely negative in zero and four cases, respectively. BMS was falsely positive in eight patients because of vertebral marrow degeneration which caused photopenic defects which could not be differentiated from metastases. MRI showed these lesions to unequivocally contain fat. BMS and MRI were falsely negative in four cases because of the limited field of examination. In our study the key factor in classifying a patient as bone MI or MO was the possibility of surveying the entire skeleton, as is the case in BS, and not that MRI had a higher sensitivity compared to BS when analysis was on a lesion-by-lesion basis. BMS had the same limitations as MRI because the usual bone marrow distribution resulted in a physiologically limited field of view. We conclude that BS remains the method of choice in staging patients with solid tumours despite the fact that MRI is no longer a time-consuming method using FSE sequences. MRI has a complemantary role if special questions remain. BMS appears to have little value in the detection of bone metastases because of its poor specificity, its limited spatial resolution and its restriction to those areas of the skeleton containing haematopoietic marrow. Correspondence to: G.K. v. Schulthess     

F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography in the diagnosis of tumor recurrence and metastases in the follow-up of patients with breast carcinoma: a comparison to conventional imaging

AIM: To evaluate the role of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (F-18 FDG PET) in the follow-up of breast carcinoma in case of clinical suspicion of local recurrence or distant metastases and/or tumor marker increase in correlation to conventional imaging. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the results of F-18 FDG PET (ECAT ART(R), Siemens CTI MS) of 62 patients (age 58.5 +/- 12.8) with surgically resected breast carcinoma (time interval after surgery, 86 +/- 82 months, mean follow-up 24 +/- 12.6 months). Patient- and lesion-based comparison with conventional imaging (CI) including mammography (MG), ultrasonography (US), computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiography (XR) and bone scintigraphy (BS). Furthermore, we evaluated the influence on tumor stage and therapeutic strategy. A visual qualitative evaluation of lesions was performed. RESULTS: On a patient base, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy for detecting local recurrence or distant metastases were calculated to be 97%, 82%, 87%, 96% and 90% compared with 84%, 60%, 73%, 75% and 74% with CI. On a lesion base, significantly more lymph node (84 vs. 23, P < 0.05) and fewer bone metastases (61 vs. 97, P < 0.05) could be detected by using F-18 FDG PET compared with CI. Sclerotic bone lesions were predominantly detected by BS. On the other hand, there were several patients with more FDG positive bone lesions and also mixed FDG positive/Tc-99m methylenediphosphonate (MDP) negative and FDG negative/Tc-99m MDP positive metastases. In case of normal tumor markers, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy for detecting local recurrence or distant metastases were calculated to be 100%, 85.0%, 78.6%, 100% and 90.3% for FDG PET and 80%, 50%, 50%, 80% and 61.5% for CI. An upstaging could be observed in 9.7% (6/62) and downstaging in 12.9% (8/62), leading to a change in therapeutic regimen in 13 patients (21%). CONCLUSIONS: F-18 FDG PET demonstrates apparent advantages in the diagnosis of metastases in patients with breast carcinoma, compared with conventional imaging on a patient base. On a lesion base, significantly more lymph node and less bone metastases can be detected by using F-18 FDG PET compared with conventional imaging, including bone scintigraphy. In patients with clinical suspicion but negative tumor marker profile, too, F-18 FDG PET seems to be a reliable imaging tool for detection of tumor recurrence or metastases. Considering the high predictive value of F-18 FDG PET, tumor stage and therapeutic strategy will be reconsidered in several patients.     

Diagnosis and assessment of therapeutic response of bone metastases by bone scintigraphy and PET study

Nuclear medicine plays an important role in staging and evaluation of the initial extension and response to treatment of bone metastases. In order to accurately read Bone Scintigraphy (BS) and Positron Emission Tomography scan (PET) procedures, it is essential to understand the different behavior of these studies. We present a case report of a woman treated for breast cancer, with suspicion of recurrent disease due to increase of tumor markers. Initial BS showed non-conclusive findings, whereas PET study was consistent with a spread of bone metastases. The patient underwent both procedures again after a course of chemotherapy. Post-treatment BS showed progression of bone lesions, while PET showed good therapeutic response. The PET demonstrates lesions earlier and more effectively than the bone scintigraphy in the evaluation of the therapeutic response of bone metastases.     

FDG-PET and CT patterns of bone metastases and their relationship to previously administered anti-cancer therapy

Purpose To assess ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in bone metastases in patients with and without previous treatment, and compare positive positron emission tomography (PET) with osteolytic or osteoblastic changes on computed tomography (CT).Methods One hundred and thirty-one FDG-PET/CT studies were reviewed for bone metastases. A total of 294 lesions were found in 76 patients, 81 in untreated patients and 213 in previously treated patients. PET was assessed for abnormal FDG uptake localised by PET/CT to the skeleton. CT was evaluated for bone metastases and for blastic or lytic pattern. The relationship between the presence and pattern of bone metastases on PET and CT, and prior treatment was statistically analysed using the chi-square test.Results PET identified 174 (59%) metastases, while CT detected 280 (95%). FDG-avid metastases included 74/81 (91%) untreated and 100/213 (47%) treated lesions (p<0.001). On CT there were 76/81 (94%) untreated and 204/213 (96%) treated metastases (p NS). In untreated patients, 85% of lesions were seen on both PET and CT (26 blastic, 43 lytic). In treated patients, 53% of lesions were seen only on CT (95 blastic, 18 lytic). Of the osteoblastic metastases, 65/174 (37%) were PET positive and 98/120 (82%), PET negative (p<0.001).Conclusion The results of the present study indicate that when imaging bone metastases, prior treatment can alter the relationship between PET and CT findings. Most untreated bone metastases are PET positive and lytic on CT, while in previously treated patients most lesions are PET negative and blastic on CT. PET and CT therefore appear to be complementary in the assessment of bone metastases.