Prevalence of clinically significant extraosseous findings on unenhanced CT portions of ¹⁸F-fluoride PET/CT bone scans
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Due to the frequently interrupted supply of (99m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate, the use of ¹⁸F-fluoride positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) has become more popular. The study aims to determine the percentage of extraosseous findings from the unenhanced CT portion of F ¹⁸F-fluoride PET/CT scans.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected ¹⁸F-fluoride PET/CT studies between March 2010 and February 2011. The unenhanced CT portions of ¹⁸F-fluoride PET/CT were reviewed for each patient. Significant extraosseous findings related to malignancy from the unenhanced CT were recorded.
RESULTS: A total of 158 patients (110 females, 48 males) were included in the study. Clinically significant extraosseous findings from the unenhanced CT were found in 43 patients (27.2%). Previously unknown extraosseous findings were identified in 17 patients (10.8%) after a review of the ¹⁸F-fluoride PET/CT scan results. Most of the extraosseous findings were small pulmonary metastases or enlarged metastatic lymph nodes.
CONCLUSION: It is not rare to identify new clinically significant extraosseous findings from the unenhanced CT of ¹⁸F-fluoride PET/CT studies. Therefore the clinical management of patients may be altered by the results, and a careful review of the unenhanced CT portion of ¹⁸F-fluoride PET/CT is mandatory.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 158 participants or records.
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