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Role of Low-dose, Noncontrast Computed Tomography from Integrated Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Evaluating Incidental 2-Deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-d-glucose-avid Colon Lesions

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Abstract

Purpose

To assess the contribution of concurrent low-dose, noncontrast CT in the assessment of the malignant potential of incidental focal 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-d-glucose (FDG)-avid colonic lesions on positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).

Procedures

Routine FDG-PET/CT scans were reviewed for identification of focal FDG-avid colon lesions, and the CT component was independently reviewed for an anatomical lesion and malignant potential based on CT criteria. Clinical, endoscopic, and histopathology follow-up was obtained.

Results

A total of 85/2,916 (3%) oncology FDG-PET/CT scans had incidental focal colon lesions. Clinical and/or endoscopic follow-up was available in 83/85 (98%) patients. Focal, corresponding CT lesions were found in 44/83 (53%) patients, but features of malignancy were not assessable. Of the 44 patients with a final diagnosis, 32/44 (73%) were FDG-PET/CT true positives; 5/44 (11%) were false positives; and 7/44 (16%) had inconclusive FDG-PET/CT findings.

Conclusions

Concurrent low-dose, noncontrast CT improves localization, but does not provide independent information on the malignant potential of incidental focal colonic activity on FDG-PET/CT.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for PET, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia

    S. T. Lee, T. Tan, A. M. T. Poon, H. B. Toh, S. Gill, S. U. Berlangieri, E. Kraft, A. J. Byrne, K. Pathmaraj, G. J. O’Keefe & A. M. Scott

  2. Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia

    S. T. Lee, A. M. T. Poon & A. M. Scott

  3. Ludwig Institute Oncology Unit, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia

    S. Gill & N. Tebbutt

  4. Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia

    S. T. Lee & A. M. Scott

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  1. S. T. Lee
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  2. T. Tan
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  3. A. M. T. Poon
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  4. H. B. Toh
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  10. G. J. O’Keefe
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  12. A. M. Scott
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Correspondence to S. T. Lee.

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Lee, S.T., Tan, T., Poon, A.M.T. et al. Role of Low-dose, Noncontrast Computed Tomography from Integrated Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Evaluating Incidental 2-Deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-d-glucose-avid Colon Lesions. Mol Imaging Biol 10, 48–53 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11307-007-0117-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11307-007-0117-0

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