RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Hypermetabolism on Pediatric PET Scans of Brain Glucose Metabolism: What Does It Signify?
JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine
JO J Nucl Med
FD Society of Nuclear Medicine
SP 1301
OP 1306
DO 10.2967/jnumed.120.256081
VO 62
IS 9
A1 Harry T. Chugani
YR 2021
UL http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/62/9/1301.abstract
AB When one is interpreting clinical 18F-FDG PET scans of the brain (excluding tumors) in children, the typical abnormality seen is hypometabolism of various brain regions. Focal areas of hypermetabolism are noted occasionally, and the usual interpretation is that the hypermetabolic region represents a seizure focus. In this review, I discuss and illustrate the multiple causes of hypermetabolism on 18F-FDG PET studies that should not be interpreted as seizure activity, as such an interpretation could potentially be incorrect. Various conditions in which focal hypermetabolism can be encountered on 18F-FDG PET studies include interictal hypermetabolism, Sturge–Weber syndrome, changes associated with brain plasticity after injury, Rett syndrome, hypoxic–ischemic brain injury, various inborn errors of metabolism, and autoimmune encephalitis. The radiologist or nuclear medicine physician interpreting clinical 18F-FDG PET studies should be aware of these circumstances to accurately assess the findings.