FDG-PET/CT in abdominal post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease

Br J Radiol. 2016;89(1057):20150844. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20150844. Epub 2015 Nov 6.

Abstract

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality following both solid organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. PTLD has a broad range of manifestations with extranodal involvement more common in the abdomen than nodal involvement. Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT (FDG-PET/CT) is sensitive and specific to detect PTLD and can upstage or detect occult PTLD compared with conventional CT imaging. As functional imaging, FDG-PET/CT also has a role in monitoring treatment response. In this pictorial essay, we will discuss the role of FDG-PET/CT in the diagnosis and staging of abdominal PTLD and describe the advantages of functional imaging in assessing response to therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abdomen / diagnostic imaging
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Multimodal Imaging
  • Organ Transplantation*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
  • Radiography, Abdominal
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18