Kavita Shoba Lutchmeesingh MBBCh, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Mark Ingram MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Marwa Shoeb MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Ioannis Vlahos MBBS, Abstract Co-Author: Research grant, Bayer AG Consultant, Siemens AG Consultant, Bayer AG

1. To demonstrate the spectrum of causes of extrathoracic uptake of 18-FDG during the staging of potentially operable lung cancer patients. 2. To identify and understand the patterns of physiological uptake thereby eliminating unnecessary investigations and treatment delays.  

Using the experience at our tertiary cancer referral center, we have divided additional extrathoracic findings on staging PET-CT for potentially operable lung cancer patients into 3 categories: physiological/technical factors, benign/inflammatory and malignant (metastatic or new primary). PET-CT and cross-sectional images provide a guideline for determining the etiology and significance of patterns of unexpected cervical and intraabdominal distribution of increased metabolic activity.

Knowledge gained from this educational exhibit will improve the management of the common occurrence of unexpected extrathoracic distribution of 18-FDG and aims to reduce possible delays to treatment caused by unnecessary investigations of benign or physiologic additional findings while stressing the appearances of new primary or secondary malignant findings.

Lutchmeesingh, K, Ingram, M, Shoeb, M, Vlahos, I, The Clinical Significance of Extrathoracic Distribution of 18-FDG during PET-CT for Potentially Operable Lung Cancer: Common and Unusual Patterns of Incidental Benign and Unexpected Neoplastic Disease.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9014328.html