18F-FDG PET/CT in suspected recurrences of epithelial malignant pleural mesothelioma in asbestos-fibers-exposed patients (comparison to standard diagnostic follow-up)

Clin Imaging. 2013 Nov-Dec;37(6):1098-103. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2013.06.009. Epub 2013 Aug 8.

Abstract

This retrospective study evaluated the role of 18-fluorine-labeled 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in patients with previous occupational or environmental exposure to asbestos, with histopathological diagnosis of epithelial malignant pleural mesothelioma and suspected recurrences, comparing the data from 18F-FDG PET/CT and computed tomography with contrast enhancement (CECT). 18F-FDG PET/CT has greater sensitivity than CECT in identifying local extent, lymph nodes, and metastasis. 18F-FDG PET/CT whole-body explorations are useful to monitor the follow-up and evaluate the metabolic response to chemo- and radiotherapy, modifying the scheduled treatment plan.

Keywords: 18F-FDG PET/CT; Asbestos fibers; CECT; Pleural mesothelioma.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Asbestos / adverse effects
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / diagnosis*
  • Mesothelioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Mesothelioma, Malignant
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Pleural Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Pleural Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Respiratory Mucosa / diagnostic imaging
  • Respiratory Mucosa / pathology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Asbestos