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DOI: 10.1055/a-1976-1765
Diagnostic value of FDG-PET/CT in the diagnostic work-up of inflammation of unknown origin
Wertigkeit der PET/CT im Rahmen der Entzündungsherddiagnostik mit F-18-FDG
Abstract
Introduction The present study aims to evaluate the clinical diagnostic value of FDG-PET/CT in patients with inflammation of unknown origin. Material and methods We retrospectively analyzed data of 130 patients who presented general inflammatory symptoms and/or elevated level of CRP and underwent FDG-PET/CT for the purpose of identifying unknown foci of inflammation. The accuracy of PET/CT findings was assessed against the standard of eventual clinical diagnosis e.g. results of pathology, microbiology or other imaging methods. Results In 99/130 patients (76 %) a final diagnosis was established, FDG-PET/CT showed a sensitivity and specificity of each 93 %. A decreased pseudocholinesterase is associated with a higher SUVmax value and with a higher CRP value whereas no significant relationship was found between elevated CRP values and the SUVmax, although higher CRP values are associated significantly with a true positive PET/CT result. Conclusion FDG-PET/CT is a highly sensitive, specific and accurate method for the detection of foci of inflammation of unknown origin. The combination of decreased pseudocholinesterase and increased CRP levels may be a useful tool to select patients for FDG PET/CT.
Publication History
Received: 12 October 2022
Accepted: 08 November 2022
Article published online:
09 January 2023
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