Additional diagnostic value of 18F-FDG-PET/CT over conventional imaging in restaging/follow-up of hepatoblastoma

Objectives In the follow-up/restaging of hepatoblatoma, a rising of level of serum AFP is associated with tumour recurrence. Conventional imaging (CI) techniques such as CT, MRI and Ultrasonography may localize neoplastic mass. However, a negative investigation does not exclude the presence of recurrent disease. In this study we retrospectively evaluated if PET/CT provided incremental diagnostic information over CI in a group of hepatoblastoma patients performing restaging or follow-up.

Methods 6 patients (mean age: 4.4 yeas; range: 3.1-7.5 years) with history of hepatoblatoma (4 treated with surgery and 2 with chemotherapy because of non resectable tumour) and increased level of AFP underwent CI. Within 1 month PET/CT scans were performed to better asses the disease extent. Fine-needle aspiration biopsies were executed for confirmation.

Results CI and PET/CT were concordant in 2 patients (true negative). In 3 patients (true positive) CI identified recurrence of disease but PET/CT provided a better definition of extent of disease. In 1 case (false negative) CI was normal while PET/CT correctly detected recurrence of disease.

Conclusions 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan seems to better asses hepatoblastoma patients respect to conventional imaging and may provide incremental diagnostic value in restaging and follow-up