Background: Unexpected focal colorectal 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake has become a common clinical dilemma. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical significance of incidentally detected colorectal lesions on PET/CT scans by comparing positive PET/CT findings with endoscopic and histopathological analysis.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of a colonoscopy database was reviewed. All patients that underwent colonoscopy secondary to focal incidental uptake on PET/CT were evaluated. PET/CT findings were correlated with endoscopic and histopathological results.
Results: 84 patients underwent colonoscopy secondary to incidental focal colorectal uptake on PET/CT. A total of 63 patients had an endoscopic and histological confirmation of the area of abnormality, for a positive predictive value of 75%. Newly diagnosed colorectal carcinoma was discovered in 13 patients (15.4%) and forty-four patients (52.3%) were discovered to have a premalignant lesion.
Conclusion: Incidental focal colorectal uptake of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose is associated with a substantial risk of underlying neoplastic colorectal lesions. Early identification of these lesions may alter patient management and treatment plans.
Keywords: (18) F-fluorodeoxyglucose; Colonoscopy; Incidental colorectal lesions; PET/CT scan.
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