The use of 18F-FDG PET ratios in the differential diagnosis of common malignant brain tumors

Clin Imaging. 2015 Nov-Dec;39(6):970-4. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2015.07.020. Epub 2015 Jul 19.

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the use of positron emission tomography (PET) ratios to improve the diagnostic ability of 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography (CT) in the differentiation of enhancing brain metastases, central nervous system lymphomas, and gliomas.

Materials and methods: Seventy-six patients with malignant brain tumors and available magnetic resonance imaging and PET/CT examinations were included.

Results: Among standardized uptake value (SUV)-related parameters tested, tumor maximum SUV to ipsilateral cortex maximum SUV ratio (Tmax:WMimax) and maximum SUV (SUVmax) proved to be the two most valuable parameters for differential diagnosis.

Conclusion: In addition to SUVmax, Tmax:WMimax also seems to provide helpful information for the differential diagnosis of lymphomas from other malignant brain tumors.

Keywords: 18F-FDG positron emission tomography; Brain metastasis; Central nervous system lymphoma; Differential diagnosis; Glioma.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Glioma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Glioma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18