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Additional value of integrated 18F-choline PET/4D contrast-enhanced CT in the localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands and correlation with molecular profile

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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

The localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid gland(s) (HPTG) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) with negative or inconclusive first-line imaging is a significant challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the role of integrated 18F-choline PET/4D contrast-enhanced computed tomography (4DCeCT) in these patients, compare its detection rate and sensitivity with those of 18F-choline PET/CT and (4DCeCT), and analyse the association between choline metabolism and morphological, biochemical and molecular parameters of HPTG.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 44 PHPT patients with negative or inconclusive first-line imaging. 18F-Choline PET/CT and 4DCeCT were performed at the same time, and integrated 18F-choline PET/4DCeCT images were obtained after coregistration. Experienced physicians examined the images. The SUVratio and degree of contrast enhancement were recorded for each positive finding. Histopathology, laboratory and multidisciplinary follow-up were used as the standard of reference. Both the detection rates and sensitivities of the three imaging modalities were calculated retrospectively. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the molecular profile of HPTGs.

Results

18F-Choline PET/4DCeCT was positive in 32 of 44 patients with PHPT (detection rate 72.7%), and 31 of 31 surgically treated patients (sensitivity 100%). These results were significantly (p < 0.05) better than those of 18F-choline PET/CT (56.8% and 80%, respectively) and those of 4DCeCT (54.5 and 74%, respectively). A significant correlation between SUV and calcium level was found. In a multivariate analysis, only calcium level was significantly associated with 18F-choline PET/4DCeCT findings. SUVratio and Ki67 expression were significantly correlated.

Conclusion

Integrated 18F-choline PET/4DCeCT should be considered as an effective tool to detect PHPT in patients with negative or inconclusive first-line imaging. Choline metabolism is correlated with both calcium level and Ki67 expression in HPTG.

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This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or nonprofit sector.

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Correspondence to Arnoldo Piccardo.

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All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the principles of the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

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Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

Additional information

M. Cabria and L. Giovanella share the senior co-authorship.

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Piccardo, A., Trimboli, P., Rutigliani, M. et al. Additional value of integrated 18F-choline PET/4D contrast-enhanced CT in the localization of hyperfunctioning parathyroid glands and correlation with molecular profile. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 46, 766–775 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-018-4147-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-018-4147-4

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