Use of fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography in assessing the process of tuberculous spondylitis

Fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography can be used to quantify the pathologic increase in glucose metabolism of inflammatory processes. Preliminary studies indicate a high level of sensitivity and specificity in detecting and identifying chronic osteomyelitis. This case study shows that positron emission tomography can be used to assess the process of inflammatory activity in tuberculous spondylitis. This technology also has the advantage of higher spatial resolution compared with other nuclear medicine procedures. In addition, it can differentiate between bone and soft tissue infection and allows imaging in the presence of metal implants.     

18F] 3-deoxy-3'-fluorothymidine positron emission tomography: alternative or diagnostic adjunct to 2-[18f]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography in the workup of suspicious central focal lesions?

BACKGROUND: 2-[(18)F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography has been established as a standard diagnostic imaging method in the preoperative workup of suspicious pulmonary focal lesions, showing a sensitivity of more than 90% and a specificity of about 80%. Determination of malignant pulmonary lesions with FDG positron emission tomography depends on the assessment of glucose metabolism. However, false-positive findings can occur in inflammatory processes, such as sarcoidosis or pneumonia. The thymidine analogue 3-deoxy-3[(18)F]-fluorothymidine (FLT) is a new positron emission tomography tracer that more specifically targets proliferative activity of malignant lesions. The objective of this study was to determine whether FLT positron emission tomography, in comparison with FDG positron emission tomography, provides additional information in the preoperative workup of central pulmonary focal lesions. METHODS: In this prospective study FLT and FDG positron emission tomography examinations were performed as a part of the preoperative workup in 20 patients with histologically confirmed bronchial carcinoma, 7 patients with benign lesions, and 1 patient with an atypical carcinoid. Results were compared with final pathologic findings. RESULTS: For staging of the primary tumor, FLT positron emission tomography revealed a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 100% compared with a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 73% for FDG positron emission tomography. For N staging, the sensitivity of FLT positron emission tomography was 57% and the specificity was 100%, and for FDG positron emission tomography, the sensitivity was 86% and the specificity was 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings indicate specific FLT uptake in malignant lesions. The number of false-positive findings in FDG positron emission tomography might be reduced with FLT positron emission tomography. Therefore positron emission tomography imaging with FLT represents a useful supplement to FDG in assessing the malignancy of central pulmonary focal lesions.     

Factors associated with false-positive staging of lung cancer by positron emission tomography

BACKGROUND: Positron emission tomography imaging is gaining popularity as a noninvasive staging tool in non-small cell lung cancer. Nonmalignant processes can also affect radio-tracer uptake. This study seeks to identify factors associated with false-positive staging of mediastinal metastases. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 100 patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer referred for positron emission tomography scan evaluation. All had pathologic confirmation of their disease. Positron emission tomography scans, radiology records, operative reports, and pathology results were reviewed. Patients with positron emission tomography scans interpreted as positive for mediastinal involvement and negative pathology at operation were selected. RESULTS: Seven patients were found to have a false-positive positron emission tomography evaluation for mediastinal metastases. All but 1 patient had a concurrent inflammatory process or an anatomic factor associated with the false positive. The sensitivity and specificity in detecting involved mediastinal nodes was 87.5% and 90.7%, respectively. The negative predictive value was 95.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Although positron emission tomography has been established as an accurate modality to stage non-small cell lung cancer, false-positive evaluation of mediastinal metastases can occur in the setting of concurrent inflammatory lung diseases or for centrally located tumors. Pathologic evaluation of mediastinal disease should be pursued whenever suggested by a positive positron emission tomography scan especially in the face of those factors described.     

Positron emission tomography in a patient with renal malacoplakia

Positron emission tomography is increasingly used for the diagnosis of occult infection or malignancy. The altered metabolic rate of cells in areas of malignancy or infection provides a sensitive method to identify pathology that is otherwise not identified by standard imaging methods. This case report describes a patient who presented with a pyrexia of unknown origin and renal impairment. She had a positron emission tomography scan that showed intense accumulation of fluoro-deoxy-glucose in both kidneys. Subsequent renal biopsy results showed a diagnosis of malacoplakia, the treatment of which resulted in a resolution of the fever and a stabilization of renal function. This is the first report of the positron emission tomographic appearance of renal malacoplakia.     

Use of positron emission tomography in spindle cell carcinoma of the penis

A 60-year-old man presented with spindle cell carcinoma of the penis. He underwent surgery and additional positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans to evaluate for possible metastases. Positron emission tomography showed a left inguinal and paravesical hot spot on the right. Only the left inguinal lesion could be confirmed on computed tomography. The patient underwent additional surgery with curative intent. Three months later, the patient underwent repeat computed tomography, which revealed an osteolytic process in the right acetabulum. This lesion corresponded with the right paravesical hot spot on the positron emission tomography scan 3 months earlier.     

Results of the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0050 trial: the utility of positron emission tomography in staging potentially operable non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVES: The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group undertook a trial to ascertain whether positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose could detect lesions that would preclude pulmonary resection in a group of patients with documented or suspected non-small cell lung cancer found to be surgical candidates by routine staging procedures. METHODS: A total of 303 eligible patients registered from 22 institutions underwent positron emission tomography after routine staging (computed tomography of chest and upper abdomen, bone scintigraphy, and brain imaging) had deemed their tumors resectable. Positive findings required confirmatory procedures. RESULTS: Positron emission tomography was significantly better than computed tomography for the detection of N1 and N2/N3 disease (42% vs 13%, P =.0177, and 58% vs 32%, P =.0041, respectively). The negative predictive value of positron emission tomography for mediastinal node disease was 87%. Unsuspected metastatic disease or second primary malignancy was identified in 18 of 287 patients (6.3%). Distant metastatic disease indicated in 19 of 287 patients (6.6%) was subsequently shown to be benign. By correctly identifying advanced disease (stages IIIA, IIIB, and IV) or benign lesions, positron emission tomography potentially avoided unnecessary thoracotomy in 1 of 5 patients. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with suspected or proven non-small cell lung cancer considered resectable by standard staging procedures, positron emission tomography can prevent nontherapeutic thoracotomy in a significant number of cases. Use of positron emission tomography for mediastinal staging should not be relied on as a sole staging modality, and positive findings should be confirmed by mediastinoscopy. Metastatic disease, especially a single site, identified by positron emission tomography requires further confirmatory evaluation.     

Positron emission tomography in urological malignancy

Positron emission tomography is a unique imaging modality with the capability of studying regional metabolism. The major clinical applications of positron emission tomography have been in the detection of brain, breast, cardiac, lung and colorectal tumours, as well as the evaluation of coronary artery disease by imaging the metabolism of heart muscle. In the field of urology, positron emission tomography has been evaluated in the relevant malignancies with promising results in certain areas and disappointing results in others. This article attempts to summarize recent advances in positron emission tomography scanning with regards to urological malignancy. At this stage positron emission tomography scanning is capable of visualizing urological tumours and associated lymph nodes and distal metastatic sites. However, its use is severely limited by the excretion of the most commonly used radioisotope via the urinary tract, making pelvic imaging particularly unrewarding. It is, however, undoubtedly capable of diagnosing malignancy in soft tissue masses or lymph nodes before these changes become apparent on conventional cross-sectional imaging modalities (computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging). Larger studies are required before it can be advocated for clinical use in the field of urology.     

Contribution of 11C-choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography to preoperative staging of advanced transitional cell carcinoma

PURPOSE: Current imaging modalities for preoperative staging of advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder or upper urinary tract are not sensitive for detection of metastases. This study examines the contribution of 11C-choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography to preoperative staging of transitional cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 18 patients with 19 advanced transitional cell carcinomas (17 bladder tumors and 2 upper tract transitional cell carcinomas). All patients had computerized tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis negative for metastases. 11C-choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography was performed on a Discovery ST(R) positron emission tomography/computerized tomography system. Finally 16 patients underwent radical surgery and positron emission tomography/computerized tomography images were compared to histopathological findings. Two patients were not operated on due to the findings on 11C-choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography. RESULTS: 11C-choline uptake was found in all primary transitional cell carcinomas, with a maximum standardized uptake value of 7.3 +/- 3.2 (mean +/- SD). The series included 3 patients with refractory bladder carcinoma in situ, which was visualized in all 3, with a standardized uptake value of 6.9 +/- 5.6. In 6 patients uptake of 11C-choline in lymph nodes as small as 5 mm was visualized (standardized uptake value 3.8 +/- 1.4). Of these patients 4 underwent surgery and histopathology confirmed malignancy in 3 of 4. No additional patients with positive lymph nodes were found on histopathology. Metastases were visualized in bones with normal architecture on computerized tomography in 4 patients (standardized uptake value 5.2 +/- 1.1) and were confirmed by followup computerized tomography. CONCLUSIONS: In this small series 11C-choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography was highly sensitive for primary and metastatic transitional cell carcinoma. Carcinoma in situ, lymph node metastases and early bony metastases were visualized. 11C-choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography is a promising tool for preoperative staging of advanced transitional cell carcinoma.     

The size of metastatic foci and lymph nodes yielding false-negative and false-positive lymph node staging with positron emission tomography in patients with lung cancer

BACKGROUND: We examined the sizes of lymph nodes and metastatic foci within the lymph nodes that affect false-positive and false-negative lymph node staging by positron emission tomography in lung cancer. METHODS: Preoperative positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans were performed for 564 lymph node stations in 80 patients with peripheral-type lung cancer. The sizes of both the lymph nodes and the metastatic foci within the lymph nodes were measured, and these measurements were compared with those obtained with positron emission tomography scanning. To establish general sizes of metastatic foci within the lymph nodes, 277 metastatic lymph nodes in operative specimens previously resected from another 111 patients with lung cancer were examined as a control. RESULTS: The sensitivity was significantly higher for positron emission tomography than for computed tomographic scanning (P =.026). The sizes of metastatic foci within lymph nodes that showed false-negative (n = 8) and true-positive (n = 28) with positron emission tomography ranged from 0.5 to 9 mm (3 +/- 1 mm) and from 4 to 18 mm (10 +/- 3 mm), respectively (P <.001). None of the metastatic foci smaller than 4 mm could be detected with positron emission tomography scanning. The review of the 277 previously resected metastatic lymph nodes showed that 89 (32%) had metastatic foci smaller than 4 mm. The sizes of true-positive (n = 28) and false-positive (n = 10) lymph nodes ranged from 6 to 15 mm (10 +/- 2 mm) and from 9 to 16 mm (12 +/- 2 mm), respectively (P <.01). None of the false-positive lymph nodes was smaller than 9 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Although positron emission tomography was superior to computed tomography scanning in lymph node staging in lung cancer, positron emission tomography was unable to distinguish metastatic foci smaller than 4 mm, which were not unusual sizes for lymph node metastases in lung cancer. Positive lymph nodes with positron emission tomography smaller than 9 mm are likely to be true-positive rather than false-positive.     

Intrapulmonary solitary fibrous tumor

Solitary pulmonary nodules are sometimes detected by routine chest radiography. Although many of them are suspected to be benign tumors following noninvasive examinations including computed tomography and positron emission tomography, it is difficult to diagnose them accurately. This report presents a rare case of a solitary fibrous tumor located in the lung that could not be diagnosed preoperatively. More information must be accumulated concerning such rare cases of intrapulmonary solitary fibrous tumors.     

Positron emission tomography with f18-fluorodeoxyglucose in the staging and preoperative evaluation of malignant pleural mesothelioma

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of positron emission tomography with F18-fluorodeoxyglucose in the preoperative evaluation and staging of malignant mesothelioma in patients who were candidates for aggressive combined modality therapy. METHODS: Eighteen consecutive patients with biopsy-proven malignant mesothelioma underwent positron emission tomographic scanning. The results of positron emission tomographic imaging were compared with results obtained by computed tomography, mediastinoscopy, thoracoscopy, and pathologic examination of surgical specimens. All patients fasted and received an average of 14.5 +/- 2.7 mCi of F18-fluorodeoxyglucose for positron emission tomographic scanning. Attenuation-corrected whole-body and regional emission images of the chest and upper abdomen were acquired and formatted into transaxial, coronal, and sagittal images. RESULTS: All primary malignant mesotheliomas accumulated F18-fluorodeoxyglucose, and the mean standardized uptake value was 7. 6 (range, 3.33-14.85; n = 9). There were no false-negative results of positron emission tomography. Identification of occult extrathoracic metastases by positron emission tomography was the basis for excluding two patients from surgical therapy. There were two false-positive results of positron emission tomography: increased F18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the contralateral chest that was negative by thoracoscopic biopsy (n = 1) and increased abdominal F18-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake after partial colectomy for diverticular disease (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Positron emission tomography can identify malignant pleural mesothelioma and appears to be a useful noninvasive staging modality for patients being considered for aggressive combined modality therapy.     

11C-choline positron emission tomography/computerized tomography for tumor localization of primary prostate cancer in comparison with 12-core biopsy

PURPOSE: (11)C-choline positron emission tomography is an innovative imaging technique for prostate cancer. We assessed the sensitivity of positron emission tomography used together with computerized tomography for intraprostatic localization of primary prostate cancer on a nodule-by-nodule basis, and compared its performance with 12-core transrectal biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 43 patients with known prostate cancer who had received positron emission tomography/computerized tomography before initial biopsy, we assessed sensitivity of positron emission tomography/computerized tomography for localization of nodules 5 mm or greater (those theoretically large enough for visualization) using radical prostatectomy histopathology as the reference standard. Comparison with transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy was based on sextant assessment of all cancer foci following sextant-by-sextant matching and reconstruction. Sensitivity/specificity of positron emission tomography/computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for prediction of extraprostatic extension was also assessed. RESULTS: Positron emission tomography/computerized tomography showed 83% sensitivity for localization of nodules 5 mm or greater. At logistic regression analysis only nodule size appeared to influence sensitivity. At sextant assessment positron emission tomography/computerized tomography had slightly better sensitivity than transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy (66% vs 61%, p = 0.434) but was less specific (84% vs 97%, p = 0.008). For assessment of extraprostatic extension, sensitivity of PET/CT was low in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (22% vs 63%, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Positron emission tomography/computerized tomography has good sensitivity for intraprostatic localization of primary prostate cancer nodules 5 mm or greater. Positron emission tomography/computerized tomography and transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy show similar sensitivity for localization of any cancer focus. Positron emission tomography/computerized tomography does not seem to have any role in extraprostatic extension detection. Studies of diagnostic accuracy (as opposed to tumor localization) are needed in patients with suspected prostate cancer to see whether positron emission tomography/computerized tomography could have a role in not selected patients.     

Pulmonary aspergilloma: a potential cause of false positive fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan

Pulmonary aspergilloma is a fungus ball developed in a pre-existing lung cavity, generally in the superior lobes. Its size remains stable in most cases and it is usually asymptomatic. Herein, we present a case of a 64-year-old male with pulmonary aspergilloma, which was developed in an emphysematous cyst of the right inferior lobe, increased in size, and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan was positive. There are only a few reported cases of pulmonary aspergilloma with a false positive fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan.     

Clinical value of whole body fluorine‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the detection of metastatic bladder cancer

Objectives: To investigate the value of whole‐body fluorine‐18 2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for the detection of metastatic bladder cancer. Methods: From December 2006 to August 2010, 60 bladder cancer patients (median age 60.5 years old, range 32–96) underwent whole body positron emission tomography/computed tomography positron emission tomography/computed tomography. The diagnostic accuracy was assessed by performing both organ‐based and patient‐based analyses. Identified lesions were further studied by biopsy or clinically followed for at least 6 months. Results: One hundred and thirty‐four suspicious lesions were identified. Among them, 4 primary cancers (2 pancreatic cancers, 1 colonic and 1 nasopharyngeal cancer) were incidentally detected, and the patients could be treated on time. For the remaining 130 lesions, positron emission tomography/computed tomography detected 118 true positive lesions (sensitivity = 95.9%). On the patient‐based analysis, the overall sensitivity and specificity resulted to be 87.1% and 89.7%, respectively. There was no difference of sensitivity and specificity in patients with or without adjuvant treatment in terms of detection of metastatic sites by positron emission tomography/computed tomography. Compared with conventional imaging modality, positron emission tomography/computed tomography correctly changed the management in 15 patients (25.0%). Conclusions: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography has excellent sensitivity and specificity in the detection of metastatic bladder cancer and it provides additional diagnostic information compared to standard imaging techniques.     

C11 choline PET/CT succeeds when conventional imaging for primary hyperparathyroidism fails

BackgroundFocused parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism is possible with accurate preoperative localization. A growing body of data exists regarding the role of radio-labeled C¹¹ choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography. In cases of nonlocalized disease, it may be a useful adjunct to ultrasound, (123)I/(99)Tc-sestamibi (I-123 sestamibi), or 4-dimensional computed tomography imaging.MethodsPatients who received a neck and chest limited coverage C¹¹ choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography for evaluation of primary hyperparathyroidism from 2017 to 2021 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. We assessed the sensitivity, positive predictive value, and false negative rate. We also compared these rates to the standard modalities of ultrasound, I-123 sestamibi, 4-dimensional computed tomography, and examined concordance rates.ResultsWe identified 43 patients, of whom 33 had a positive C¹¹ choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography finding. This cohort of patients had failed to localize on multiple standard imaging modalities. Twenty-five patients proceeded to surgery, 72% of whom were reoperative cases. Twenty (80%) achieved an intraoperative cure. Analysis showed that C¹¹ choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography achieved a sensitivity of 64% (95% confidence interval 47%–82%) and positive predictive value of 72% (95% confidence interval 54%–90%). There were 5/25 (20%) false positive positron emission tomography C¹¹ choline results found to be lymph nodes, normal parathyroid, and 1 recurrent laryngeal nerve neuroma.ConclusionC¹¹ choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography is a useful adjunct for parathyroid localization in a complex population of patients who have failed standard localization techniques including ultrasound, I-123 sestamibi, or 4-dimensional computed tomography and/or prior operations. Although routine inclusion of C¹¹ choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging may not be necessary, it may aid in preoperative localization in the reoperative setting.     

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma of the submandibular gland with a high uptake of 18F-FDG: a case report and image diagnosis.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare low-grade malignant salivary gland neoplasm typically found in the parotid gland. This report describes a case of EMC that arose from the submandibular gland, and gives special emphasis to the preoperative diagnostic value of positron emission tomography (PET) in combination with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Although a preoperative diagnostically specific image of EMC could not be established, the malignant nature of this tumor was detected by these combined examinations.     

Five lung nodules,four different pathologic findings: not all lung lesions are the same

A patient with a history of colon adenocarcinoma was referred for resection of two lung lesions suspect for metastases. Three additional nodular areas were removed by wedge excision. Pathologic examination revealed four different diagnoses. This particular case demonstrates that the number of lesions may be underestimated on preoperative imaging, even on high-resolution computed tomography and positron emission tomography. Equally, pathologic examination of all detected lesions is vitally important to decide optimal treatment and to determine prognosis. This should be taken into account when discussing alternative treatment options to surgery such as stereotactic radiotherapy and radiofrequency ablation.     

Die Gelenkinfektion

Acute septic arthritis is a surgical emergency because rapid septic destruction of articular cartilage can lead to impairment or even loss of joint function. Diagnosis consists of patient history, clinical examination, laboratory results, (sonography- guided) joint aspiration and radiography. Emergency therapy is based on arthroscopic or open joint debridement and lavage combined with systemic antibiotic therapy. No data are available for the recommendation of local antibiotics but antiseptic solutions are not recommended because of cartilage damage. New trends in diagnostics are positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), urine sticks for analysis of joint fluid and molecular pathology. Chronic joint empyema is more diagnostically demanding and is difficult to treat. In cases of necrotic and infected articular cartilage, joint resection has to be performed for quiescence of infection. Options following successful treatment of empyema are arthroplasty, arthrodesis or permanent resection.     

Left colon necrosis after endoscopic para-aortic lymph node exploration in a cervical carcinoma stage IIB

Authors report a left colon ischemia six days after laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy in the staging of advanced cervical carcinoma. Before surgery, positron emission tomography scanning was performed: there were no para-aortic nodal metastasis. The histologic examination confirmed the radiological staging. Positron emission tomography scanning could avoid surgery in the case of patients with high risks morbidity factors.     

Systematic review of the utility of 18-FDG PET in the preoperative evaluation of IPMNs and cystic lesions of the pancreas

BackgroundThe aim of this systematic review is to assess the role of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the preoperative evaluation of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and cystic lesions of the pancreas.MethodsA computerized PubMed search was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to identify studies evaluating positron emission tomography in the preoperative evaluation of pancreatic cystic lesions.ResultsA total of 14 studies evaluated the role of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/positron emission tomography-computed tomography, 9 of which evaluated only intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and 5 evaluated all pancreatic cystic lesions, including intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. Pooled analysis was carried out for studies evaluating intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms only and studies evaluating all cystic lesions. Imaging with 18-fluorodeoxyblucose positron emission tomography had a positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 90%, 91%, 85%, 95%, and 91% in identifying malignancy (defined as either invasive and/or high-grade dysplasia) in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms and a positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 85%, 81%, 79%, 86%, and 88% in identifying malignancy in other cystic lesions. Pooled analysis reported the positive predictive value, negative predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of Sendai consensus guidelines (SCG) criteria as 69%, 69%, 68%, 55%, and 58%. The Fukuoka consensus guidelines (FCG) only had sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy reported as 61%, 52%, and 52%, respectively.ConclusionThe 18-fluorodeoxyblucose positron emission tomography had a high degree of accuracy of detecting malignancy in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and cystic lesion of the pancreas. Comparison of the utility of positron emission tomography with the Fukuoka consensus guidelines and the Sendai consensus guidelines suggest that positron emission tomography is superior to present guidelines in detecting malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and cystic lesion of the pancreas. Further studies in larger patient cohorts may be required to corroborate these findings and to determine the place of positron emission tomography in the management of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and cystic lesions of the pancreas.