The present review focuses on the current literature about the role of positron emission tomograp... more The present review focuses on the current literature about the role of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in the evaluation of response to treatment in patients with bone sarcomas. Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most frequent primary bone tumours occurring in the paediatric age. Imaging methods are attractive since they offer a non-invasive approach to evaluate response to treatment and are of particular interest in those patients with non-resectable tumours, for whom full histological assessment cannot be obtained. While conventional radiologic imaging can only assess the occurrence of structural changes in malignant tumours, molecular imaging by means of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT) provides useful information about tumour metabolism, which is more likely to reflect response to treatment. As metabolic changes occur early during the treatment, an earlier assessment of tumour response may be feasible by means of [ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT than using conventional imaging. As such, [ 18 F]FDG-PET/ CT may provide useful information for prognosis and clinical management of sarcoma patients. In contrast to OS, there is still some uncertainty in ES patients as to whether a massive SUVmax reduction in FDG-PET correlates with good histopathological response, despite a strong reduction of FDG uptake after the completion of neoadjuvant treatment.
The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT s... more The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters for locally advanced low rectal cancer (LARC) treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT). 68 patients with LARC had (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans twice (baseline and 5-6 weeks post-nCRT). All patients underwent surgery with preservation of the sphincter 8 weeks later. (18)F-FDG PET/CT analysis was performed by visual response assessment (VRA) and semiquantitative parameters: SUVmaxbaseline, SUVmeanbaseline, MTVbaseline, TLGbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, TLGpost-nCRT; ΔSUVmax and mean and Response indexes (RImax% and RImean%). Assessment of nCRT tumor response was performed according to the Mandard's Tumor Regression Grade (TRG) and (y)pTNM staging on the surgical specimens. Concordances of VRA with TRG, and with (y)pTNM criteria were evaluated by Cohen's K. Results were compared by t student test for unpaired groups. ROC curve analysis was performed. VRA analysis of post-nCRT (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan for the (y)pTNM outcome showed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 87.5%, 66.7%, 83.8%, 92.5%, and 53.3%, respectively. Concordances of VRA with TRG and with (y)pTNM were moderate. For the outcome variable TRG, the statistical difference between responders and non-responders was significant for SUVmaxpost-nCRT and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM, there was a significant difference for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. ROC analysis showed better AUCs: for the outcome variable TRG for SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. No significant differences among parameters were found. Qualitative and semiquantitative evaluations for (18)F-FDG PET/CT are the optimal approach; a valid parameter for response prediction has still to be established.
To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron e... more To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) in comparison to morphological imaging such as computed tomography in primary adrenal malignancies. In this multicenter retrospective study, 68 patients with adrenal malignancy were included. All patients had histologically proven diagnosis of primary adrenal malignancy (adrenocortical carcinoma, malignant pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma and lymphoma), one whole body (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan and one whole-body contrast enhancement computed tomography (CECT) scan acquired within one month and were followed clinically and by performing morphological tests for at least 12 months. Overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values for CECT and (18)F-FDG PET/CT were respectively, 59%, 100%, 65%, 100%, 27% and 75%, 100%, 82%, 100% and 63%. For adrenocortical carcinomas, (18)F-FDG PET/CT showed a better accu...
Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare disorder affecting the medial temporal lobe of the ... more Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare disorder affecting the medial temporal lobe of the brain. Although brain Magnetic Resonance (MR) has been widely evaluated and is currently considered essential in the suspicion of LE, Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) has been demonstrated to be useful also in the evaluation of brain inflammatory diseases such as encephalitis. We therefore aim to review the current literature about the role of PET/CT in the evaluation of patients affected by LE.
Background. In this study we retrospectively evaluated if 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided incremental di... more Background. In this study we retrospectively evaluated if 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided incremental diagnostic information over CI in a group of hepatoblastoma patients performing restaging. Procedure. Nine patients (mean age: 5.9 years; range: 3.1-12 years) surgically treated for hepatoblastoma were followed up by clinical examination, serum -FP monitoring, and US. CI (CT or MRI) and PET/CT were performed in case of suspicion of relapse. Fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) were carried out for final confirmation if the results of CI, PET/CT, and/or -FP levels were suggestive of relapse. PET/CT and CI findings were analyzed for comparison purposes, using FNAB as reference standard. Results. -FP level was suggestive of disease recurrence in 8/9 patients. Biopsy was performed in 8/9 cases. CI and PET/CT resulted to be concordant in 5/9 patients (CI identified recurrence of disease, but 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided a better definition of disease extent); in 4/9 cases, CI diagnostic information resulted in negative findings, whereas PET/CT correctly detected recurrence of disease. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT showed an agreement of 100% (8/8) with FNAB results. Conclusions. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT scan seems to better assess HB patients with respect to CI and may provide incremental diagnostic value in the restaging of this group of patients.
Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare disorder affecting the medial temporal lobe of the ... more Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare disorder affecting the medial temporal lobe of the brain. Although brain Magnetic Resonance (MR) has been widely evaluated and is currently considered essential in the suspicion of LE, Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) has been demonstrated to be useful also in the evaluation of brain inflammatory diseases such as encephalitis. We therefore aim to review the current literature about the role of PET/CT in the evaluation of patients affected by LE.
Background. In this study we retrospectively evaluated if 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided incremental di... more Background. In this study we retrospectively evaluated if 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided incremental diagnostic information over CI in a group of hepatoblastoma patients performing restaging. Procedure. Nine patients (mean age: 5.9 years; range: 3.1-12 years) surgically treated for hepatoblastoma were followed up by clinical examination, serum -FP monitoring, and US. CI (CT or MRI) and PET/CT were performed in case of suspicion of relapse. Fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) were carried out for final confirmation if the results of CI, PET/CT, and/or -FP levels were suggestive of relapse. PET/CT and CI findings were analyzed for comparison purposes, using FNAB as reference standard. Results. -FP level was suggestive of disease recurrence in 8/9 patients. Biopsy was performed in 8/9 cases. CI and PET/CT resulted to be concordant in 5/9 patients (CI identified recurrence of disease, but 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided a better definition of disease extent); in 4/9 cases, CI diagnostic information resulted in negative findings, whereas PET/CT correctly detected recurrence of disease. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT showed an agreement of 100% (8/8) with FNAB results. Conclusions. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT scan seems to better assess HB patients with respect to CI and may provide incremental diagnostic value in the restaging of this group of patients.
European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, Jan 18, 2015
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common malignancy among women and has a high mortality rate. Pr... more Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common malignancy among women and has a high mortality rate. Prognostic factors able to drive an effective therapy are essential. (18)F-Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) has been investigated in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and showed promise in diagnosing, staging, detecting recurrent lesions and monitoring treatment response. Conversely, its prognostic role remains unclear. We aimed at assessing the prognostic value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT performed in the restaging process in a multicentre study. We evaluated 168 patients affected by ovarian carcinoma, who underwent a restaging (18)F-FDG PET/CT. The presence of local recurrences, lymph node involvement and distant metastasis was recorded as well as lesion dimensions, maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean, respectively). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) at 3 and 4 years were computed b...
The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT s... more The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters for locally advanced low rectal cancer (LARC) treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT). 68 patients with LARC had (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans twice (baseline and 5-6 weeks post-nCRT). All patients underwent surgery with preservation of the sphincter 8 weeks later. (18)F-FDG PET/CT analysis was performed by visual response assessment (VRA) and semiquantitative parameters: SUVmaxbaseline, SUVmeanbaseline, MTVbaseline, TLGbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, TLGpost-nCRT; ΔSUVmax and mean and Response indexes (RImax% and RImean%). Assessment of nCRT tumor response was performed according to the Mandard's Tumor Regression Grade (TRG) and (y)pTNM staging on the surgical specimens. Concordances of VRA with TRG, and with (y)pTNM criteria were evaluated by Cohen's K. Results were compared by t student test for unpaired groups. ROC curve analysis was performed. VRA analysis of post-nCRT (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan for the (y)pTNM outcome showed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 87.5%, 66.7%, 83.8%, 92.5%, and 53.3%, respectively. Concordances of VRA with TRG and with (y)pTNM were moderate. For the outcome variable TRG, the statistical difference between responders and non-responders was significant for SUVmaxpost-nCRT and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM, there was a significant difference for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. ROC analysis showed better AUCs: for the outcome variable TRG for SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. No significant differences among parameters were found. Qualitative and semiquantitative evaluations for (18)F-FDG PET/CT are the optimal approach; a valid parameter for response prediction has still to be established.
N u c l e a r M e d ic i n e a n d M o l e c u l a r I m ag i ng • O r ig i n a l R e s e a rc h ... more N u c l e a r M e d ic i n e a n d M o l e c u l a r I m ag i ng • O r ig i n a l R e s e a rc h AJR 2015; 204:153-160 0361-803X/15/2041-153 T he most common primary malignant bone tumors in children are osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma [1]. Osteosarcoma derives from primitive bone-forming mesenchymal stem cells and occurs mainly in the metaphyseal portion of the long bones [2]
Objective. To meta-analyze published data about the diagnostic performance of fluorine-18-Fluorod... more Objective. To meta-analyze published data about the diagnostic performance of fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the postchemotherapy management of patients with seminoma. Methods. A comprehensive literature search of studies published through January 2014 on this topic was performed. All retrieved studies were reviewed and qualitatively analyzed. Pooled sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), accuracy, and area under the summary ROC curve (AUC) of 18 F-FDG-PET or PET/CT on a per examination-based analysis were calculated. Subgroup analyses considering the size of residual/recurrent lesions were carried out. Results. Nine studies including 375 scans were selected. The pooled analysis provided the following results: sensitivity 78% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 67-87%), specificity 86% (95% CI: 81-89%), PPV 58% (95% CI: 48-68%), NPV 94% (95% CI: 90-96%), and accuracy 84% (95% CI: 80-88%). The AUC was 0.90. A better diagnostic accuracy of 18 F-FDG-PET or PET/CT in evaluating residual/recurrent lesions >3 cm compared to those <3 cm was found. Conclusions. 18 F-FDG-PET and PET/CT were demonstrated to be accurate imaging methods in the postchemotherapy management of patients with seminoma; nevertheless possible sources of false-negative and false-positive results should be considered. The literature focusing on this setting still remains limited and cost-effectiveness analyses are warranted.
The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT s... more The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters for locally advanced low rectal cancer (LARC) treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT). 68 patients with LARC had (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans twice (baseline and 5-6 weeks post-nCRT). All patients underwent surgery with preservation of the sphincter 8 weeks later. (18)F-FDG PET/CT analysis was performed by visual response assessment (VRA) and semiquantitative parameters: SUVmaxbaseline, SUVmeanbaseline, MTVbaseline, TLGbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, TLGpost-nCRT; ΔSUVmax and mean and Response indexes (RImax% and RImean%). Assessment of nCRT tumor response was performed according to the Mandard&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s Tumor Regression Grade (TRG) and (y)pTNM staging on the surgical specimens. Concordances of VRA with TRG, and with (y)pTNM criteria were evaluated by Cohen&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s K. Results were compared by t student test for unpaired groups. ROC curve analysis was performed. VRA analysis of post-nCRT (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan for the (y)pTNM outcome showed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 87.5%, 66.7%, 83.8%, 92.5%, and 53.3%, respectively. Concordances of VRA with TRG and with (y)pTNM were moderate. For the outcome variable TRG, the statistical difference between responders and non-responders was significant for SUVmaxpost-nCRT and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM, there was a significant difference for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. ROC analysis showed better AUCs: for the outcome variable TRG for SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. No significant differences among parameters were found. Qualitative and semiquantitative evaluations for (18)F-FDG PET/CT are the optimal approach; a valid parameter for response prediction has still to be established.
68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT has been widely validated in diagnosis and follow-up of carcinoid. A 47-year-... more 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT has been widely validated in diagnosis and follow-up of carcinoid. A 47-year-old woman with ileal carcinoid underwent a 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT for restaging purposes. Images showed extensive liver involvement and also a widespread metastatic subcutaneous metastases in the right chest wall and in the right laterocervical region. The presence of multiple soft-tissue metastases, as described in our case and imaged with 68Ga-DOTATOC, represents a very rare clinical entity.
The present review focuses on the current literature about the role of positron emission tomograp... more The present review focuses on the current literature about the role of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in the evaluation of response to treatment in patients with bone sarcomas. Osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most frequent primary bone tumours occurring in the paediatric age. Imaging methods are attractive since they offer a non-invasive approach to evaluate response to treatment and are of particular interest in those patients with non-resectable tumours, for whom full histological assessment cannot be obtained. While conventional radiologic imaging can only assess the occurrence of structural changes in malignant tumours, molecular imaging by means of 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT) provides useful information about tumour metabolism, which is more likely to reflect response to treatment. As metabolic changes occur early during the treatment, an earlier assessment of tumour response may be feasible by means of [ 18 F]FDG-PET/CT than using conventional imaging. As such, [ 18 F]FDG-PET/ CT may provide useful information for prognosis and clinical management of sarcoma patients. In contrast to OS, there is still some uncertainty in ES patients as to whether a massive SUVmax reduction in FDG-PET correlates with good histopathological response, despite a strong reduction of FDG uptake after the completion of neoadjuvant treatment.
The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT s... more The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters for locally advanced low rectal cancer (LARC) treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT). 68 patients with LARC had (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans twice (baseline and 5-6 weeks post-nCRT). All patients underwent surgery with preservation of the sphincter 8 weeks later. (18)F-FDG PET/CT analysis was performed by visual response assessment (VRA) and semiquantitative parameters: SUVmaxbaseline, SUVmeanbaseline, MTVbaseline, TLGbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, TLGpost-nCRT; ΔSUVmax and mean and Response indexes (RImax% and RImean%). Assessment of nCRT tumor response was performed according to the Mandard&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s Tumor Regression Grade (TRG) and (y)pTNM staging on the surgical specimens. Concordances of VRA with TRG, and with (y)pTNM criteria were evaluated by Cohen&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s K. Results were compared by t student test for unpaired groups. ROC curve analysis was performed. VRA analysis of post-nCRT (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan for the (y)pTNM outcome showed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 87.5%, 66.7%, 83.8%, 92.5%, and 53.3%, respectively. Concordances of VRA with TRG and with (y)pTNM were moderate. For the outcome variable TRG, the statistical difference between responders and non-responders was significant for SUVmaxpost-nCRT and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM, there was a significant difference for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. ROC analysis showed better AUCs: for the outcome variable TRG for SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. No significant differences among parameters were found. Qualitative and semiquantitative evaluations for (18)F-FDG PET/CT are the optimal approach; a valid parameter for response prediction has still to be established.
To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron e... more To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic role of fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) in comparison to morphological imaging such as computed tomography in primary adrenal malignancies. In this multicenter retrospective study, 68 patients with adrenal malignancy were included. All patients had histologically proven diagnosis of primary adrenal malignancy (adrenocortical carcinoma, malignant pheochromocytoma, neuroblastoma and lymphoma), one whole body (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan and one whole-body contrast enhancement computed tomography (CECT) scan acquired within one month and were followed clinically and by performing morphological tests for at least 12 months. Overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative predictive values for CECT and (18)F-FDG PET/CT were respectively, 59%, 100%, 65%, 100%, 27% and 75%, 100%, 82%, 100% and 63%. For adrenocortical carcinomas, (18)F-FDG PET/CT showed a better accu...
Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare disorder affecting the medial temporal lobe of the ... more Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare disorder affecting the medial temporal lobe of the brain. Although brain Magnetic Resonance (MR) has been widely evaluated and is currently considered essential in the suspicion of LE, Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) has been demonstrated to be useful also in the evaluation of brain inflammatory diseases such as encephalitis. We therefore aim to review the current literature about the role of PET/CT in the evaluation of patients affected by LE.
Background. In this study we retrospectively evaluated if 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided incremental di... more Background. In this study we retrospectively evaluated if 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided incremental diagnostic information over CI in a group of hepatoblastoma patients performing restaging. Procedure. Nine patients (mean age: 5.9 years; range: 3.1-12 years) surgically treated for hepatoblastoma were followed up by clinical examination, serum -FP monitoring, and US. CI (CT or MRI) and PET/CT were performed in case of suspicion of relapse. Fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) were carried out for final confirmation if the results of CI, PET/CT, and/or -FP levels were suggestive of relapse. PET/CT and CI findings were analyzed for comparison purposes, using FNAB as reference standard. Results. -FP level was suggestive of disease recurrence in 8/9 patients. Biopsy was performed in 8/9 cases. CI and PET/CT resulted to be concordant in 5/9 patients (CI identified recurrence of disease, but 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided a better definition of disease extent); in 4/9 cases, CI diagnostic information resulted in negative findings, whereas PET/CT correctly detected recurrence of disease. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT showed an agreement of 100% (8/8) with FNAB results. Conclusions. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT scan seems to better assess HB patients with respect to CI and may provide incremental diagnostic value in the restaging of this group of patients.
Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare disorder affecting the medial temporal lobe of the ... more Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (LE) is a rare disorder affecting the medial temporal lobe of the brain. Although brain Magnetic Resonance (MR) has been widely evaluated and is currently considered essential in the suspicion of LE, Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) has been demonstrated to be useful also in the evaluation of brain inflammatory diseases such as encephalitis. We therefore aim to review the current literature about the role of PET/CT in the evaluation of patients affected by LE.
Background. In this study we retrospectively evaluated if 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided incremental di... more Background. In this study we retrospectively evaluated if 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided incremental diagnostic information over CI in a group of hepatoblastoma patients performing restaging. Procedure. Nine patients (mean age: 5.9 years; range: 3.1-12 years) surgically treated for hepatoblastoma were followed up by clinical examination, serum -FP monitoring, and US. CI (CT or MRI) and PET/CT were performed in case of suspicion of relapse. Fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) were carried out for final confirmation if the results of CI, PET/CT, and/or -FP levels were suggestive of relapse. PET/CT and CI findings were analyzed for comparison purposes, using FNAB as reference standard. Results. -FP level was suggestive of disease recurrence in 8/9 patients. Biopsy was performed in 8/9 cases. CI and PET/CT resulted to be concordant in 5/9 patients (CI identified recurrence of disease, but 18 F-FDG-PET/CT provided a better definition of disease extent); in 4/9 cases, CI diagnostic information resulted in negative findings, whereas PET/CT correctly detected recurrence of disease. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT showed an agreement of 100% (8/8) with FNAB results. Conclusions. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT scan seems to better assess HB patients with respect to CI and may provide incremental diagnostic value in the restaging of this group of patients.
European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, Jan 18, 2015
Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common malignancy among women and has a high mortality rate. Pr... more Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common malignancy among women and has a high mortality rate. Prognostic factors able to drive an effective therapy are essential. (18)F-Fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) has been investigated in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer and showed promise in diagnosing, staging, detecting recurrent lesions and monitoring treatment response. Conversely, its prognostic role remains unclear. We aimed at assessing the prognostic value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT performed in the restaging process in a multicentre study. We evaluated 168 patients affected by ovarian carcinoma, who underwent a restaging (18)F-FDG PET/CT. The presence of local recurrences, lymph node involvement and distant metastasis was recorded as well as lesion dimensions, maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean, respectively). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) at 3 and 4 years were computed b...
The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT s... more The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters for locally advanced low rectal cancer (LARC) treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT). 68 patients with LARC had (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans twice (baseline and 5-6 weeks post-nCRT). All patients underwent surgery with preservation of the sphincter 8 weeks later. (18)F-FDG PET/CT analysis was performed by visual response assessment (VRA) and semiquantitative parameters: SUVmaxbaseline, SUVmeanbaseline, MTVbaseline, TLGbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, TLGpost-nCRT; ΔSUVmax and mean and Response indexes (RImax% and RImean%). Assessment of nCRT tumor response was performed according to the Mandard&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s Tumor Regression Grade (TRG) and (y)pTNM staging on the surgical specimens. Concordances of VRA with TRG, and with (y)pTNM criteria were evaluated by Cohen&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s K. Results were compared by t student test for unpaired groups. ROC curve analysis was performed. VRA analysis of post-nCRT (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan for the (y)pTNM outcome showed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 87.5%, 66.7%, 83.8%, 92.5%, and 53.3%, respectively. Concordances of VRA with TRG and with (y)pTNM were moderate. For the outcome variable TRG, the statistical difference between responders and non-responders was significant for SUVmaxpost-nCRT and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM, there was a significant difference for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. ROC analysis showed better AUCs: for the outcome variable TRG for SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. No significant differences among parameters were found. Qualitative and semiquantitative evaluations for (18)F-FDG PET/CT are the optimal approach; a valid parameter for response prediction has still to be established.
N u c l e a r M e d ic i n e a n d M o l e c u l a r I m ag i ng • O r ig i n a l R e s e a rc h ... more N u c l e a r M e d ic i n e a n d M o l e c u l a r I m ag i ng • O r ig i n a l R e s e a rc h AJR 2015; 204:153-160 0361-803X/15/2041-153 T he most common primary malignant bone tumors in children are osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma [1]. Osteosarcoma derives from primitive bone-forming mesenchymal stem cells and occurs mainly in the metaphyseal portion of the long bones [2]
Objective. To meta-analyze published data about the diagnostic performance of fluorine-18-Fluorod... more Objective. To meta-analyze published data about the diagnostic performance of fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose ( 18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) in the postchemotherapy management of patients with seminoma. Methods. A comprehensive literature search of studies published through January 2014 on this topic was performed. All retrieved studies were reviewed and qualitatively analyzed. Pooled sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV), accuracy, and area under the summary ROC curve (AUC) of 18 F-FDG-PET or PET/CT on a per examination-based analysis were calculated. Subgroup analyses considering the size of residual/recurrent lesions were carried out. Results. Nine studies including 375 scans were selected. The pooled analysis provided the following results: sensitivity 78% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 67-87%), specificity 86% (95% CI: 81-89%), PPV 58% (95% CI: 48-68%), NPV 94% (95% CI: 90-96%), and accuracy 84% (95% CI: 80-88%). The AUC was 0.90. A better diagnostic accuracy of 18 F-FDG-PET or PET/CT in evaluating residual/recurrent lesions >3 cm compared to those <3 cm was found. Conclusions. 18 F-FDG-PET and PET/CT were demonstrated to be accurate imaging methods in the postchemotherapy management of patients with seminoma; nevertheless possible sources of false-negative and false-positive results should be considered. The literature focusing on this setting still remains limited and cost-effectiveness analyses are warranted.
The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT s... more The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the predictive value of (18)F-FDG PET/CT semiquantitative parameters for locally advanced low rectal cancer (LARC) treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT). 68 patients with LARC had (18)F-FDG PET/CT scans twice (baseline and 5-6 weeks post-nCRT). All patients underwent surgery with preservation of the sphincter 8 weeks later. (18)F-FDG PET/CT analysis was performed by visual response assessment (VRA) and semiquantitative parameters: SUVmaxbaseline, SUVmeanbaseline, MTVbaseline, TLGbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, TLGpost-nCRT; ΔSUVmax and mean and Response indexes (RImax% and RImean%). Assessment of nCRT tumor response was performed according to the Mandard&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s Tumor Regression Grade (TRG) and (y)pTNM staging on the surgical specimens. Concordances of VRA with TRG, and with (y)pTNM criteria were evaluated by Cohen&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s K. Results were compared by t student test for unpaired groups. ROC curve analysis was performed. VRA analysis of post-nCRT (18)F-FDG PET/CT scan for the (y)pTNM outcome showed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV, and NPV of 87.5%, 66.7%, 83.8%, 92.5%, and 53.3%, respectively. Concordances of VRA with TRG and with (y)pTNM were moderate. For the outcome variable TRG, the statistical difference between responders and non-responders was significant for SUVmaxpost-nCRT and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM, there was a significant difference for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. ROC analysis showed better AUCs: for the outcome variable TRG for SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, and RImean%; for the outcome variable (y)pTNM for MTVbaseline, SUVmaxpost-nCRT, SUVmeanpost-nCRT, MTVpost-nCRT, RImax%, and RImean%. No significant differences among parameters were found. Qualitative and semiquantitative evaluations for (18)F-FDG PET/CT are the optimal approach; a valid parameter for response prediction has still to be established.
68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT has been widely validated in diagnosis and follow-up of carcinoid. A 47-year-... more 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT has been widely validated in diagnosis and follow-up of carcinoid. A 47-year-old woman with ileal carcinoid underwent a 68Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT for restaging purposes. Images showed extensive liver involvement and also a widespread metastatic subcutaneous metastases in the right chest wall and in the right laterocervical region. The presence of multiple soft-tissue metastases, as described in our case and imaged with 68Ga-DOTATOC, represents a very rare clinical entity.
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