Susann-Cathrin Schuele, Presenter: Research Grant, Siemens AG

Christian la Fougere, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Theodoros Xenitidis, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Joerg henes, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Konstantin Nikolaou MD, Abstract Co-Author: Speakers Bureau, Siemens AG Speakers Bureau, Bracco Group Speakers Bureau, Bayer AG

Christina Pfannenberg MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Teaching Points • To present the typical RP manifestations in FDG-PET/CT • To underline the value of FDG-PET/CT for initial diagnosis, especially if laboratory and clinically results are inconsistent • To illustrate PET/CT as an adequate tool for therapy monitoring for vitality assessment of RP • To describe the value of FDG-PET/CT for detection of RP-associated diseases  

Outline (1) PET/CT for primary staging (case example 1) : 18F-PET/CT was not only suspicious for RP, but also exactly defined the extent of acute inflammation (auricular cartilage, tracheal-bronchial system) in a patient with fever, night sweat and swelling of the right ear, clinically suspect for vasculitis or a malignant tumour. (2) PET/CT for therapy monitoring (case example 2): PET/CT excluded in one case a relapse despite clinical symptoms, whereas in another case diagnosed a relapse despite normal laboratory findings. (3) PET/CT for detection/exclusion of RP-associated diseases (case example 3): PET/CT excluded vasculitis in one patient and malignant tumors in two patients with night sweat. PET/CT excluded vital RP before replacement of descending aorta in a patient with known RP and elevated CRP.  

http://abstract.rsna.org/uploads/2014/14014700/14014700_9fz3.pdf

Schuele, S, la Fougere, C, Xenitidis, T, henes, J, Nikolaou, K, Pfannenberg, C, Potential Value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Diagnosis and Therapy Evaluation of Relapsing Polychondritis (RP): A Rare Autoimmune Disease.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14014700.html