The utility of (18)F-FDG PET/CT in brain tumours diagnosis

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to discuss whether 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) study protocol should include brain imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of international societies recommendations compared with the original data obtained in over 1000 consecutive torso and brain (18)F-FDG PET/CT studies collected in 2010. RESULTS: According to the international societies recommendations, the (18)F-FDG should not be the radiotracer of choice considering the brain region PET/CT study. However, it can be performed as an additional brain imaging tool. Based on at least a 3-year follow-up, we detected 8 cases of suspicious brain findings and no primary lesion among over 1000 consecutive torso and brain 18F-FDG PET/CT scans performed in 2010. However, in 5 out of 8 patients, the brain lesion was the only metastasis detected, affecting further therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The (18)F-FDG PET/CT study may help detect malignant brain lesions and, therefore, including brain region imaging into the study protocol should be considered.