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[18F]FDG PET/CT for treatment monitoring and prediction of progression in retroperitoneal fibrosis

Bayerl C, Kaufmann J, Metzger G, Rogasch JMM, Amthauer H, Schatka I, Brenner W, van der Giet M et al.

European journal of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, 2026

50 participants · 1 citation

Abstract

Purpose: Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare inflammatory disease, that, if left untreated, can lead to ureteral obstruction and subsequent renal impairment. First-line treatment is prednisolone, with rituximab, often used for refractory cases. This study evaluates treatment response in both [18F]FDG PET and CT, and potential baseline parameters for early prediction of progression.

Methods: 50 patients with RPF underwent at least two [18F]FDG PET/CT scans (baseline, BL, and first follow-up, FU1), 36 patients a second (FU2), 18 patients a third follow-up (FU3). PET parameters SUVmax, SUVmean, SUVpeak, metabolic active volume (MAV), thickness (CTrim) and cranio-caudal extension (CTcc) of the retroperitoneal mass were measured. Therapy groups were divided into prednisolone, rituximab and the combination of both.

Results: All PET parameters showed significant correlations with CTrim at all four timepoints. After therapy all PET parameters and CTrim decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.021). Highly significant metabolic and morphologic response was seen in the prednisolone (p ≤ 0.003) and the combination therapy group (p ≤ 0.001). At FU2, eight patients showed progression, with MAV as a good predictor of progression in BL (p = 0.041; 217.33 versus 100.86 ml). At FU2, SUVmax, SUVpeak and MAV differed significantly between progression and non-progression group (p ≤ 0.009), while CT showed no significant differences.

Conclusion: Our findings underscore the superiority of PET against…

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