%0 Journal Article %A Val J. Lowe %A Brian P. Mullan %A Ian D. Hay %A Brian McIver %A Jan L. Kasperbauer %T 18F-FDG PET of Patients with Hürthle Cell Carcinoma %D 2003 %J Journal of Nuclear Medicine %P 1402-1406 %V 44 %N 9 %X Hürthle cell carcinoma is an uncommon differentiated thyroid cancer characterized by an aggressive clinical course and low avidity for 131I. Treatment usually involves an aggressive surgical approach often combined with 131I. 18F-FDG PET has been helpful in the staging and evaluation of many types of aggressive malignancy. No reports to date have described the utility of PET in a series of patients with Hürthle cell cancer. We reviewed our experience with 18F-FDG PET in the care of patients with Hürthle cell carcinoma to determine the likelihood of uptake in these cancers and the effect of 18F-FDG PET on patient care. Methods: Patients with Hürthle cell cancer who were seen between June 2000 and April 2002 and were imaged with 18F-FDG PET were included. Imaging and clinical data were reviewed. PET results were compared with the results of anatomic imaging (CT, sonography, or MRI) and 131I imaging when performed. Patient charts were reviewed to identify any change in management that resulted from the 18F-FDG PET findings. Results: Fourteen 18F-FDG PET scans of 12 patients were obtained in the time frame indicated. All patients had documented Hürthle cell carcinoma. PET showed intense 18F-FDG uptake in all known Hürthle cell cancer lesions but one. PET showed disease not identified by other imaging methods in 7 of the 14 PET scans. PET identified distant metastatic disease (5) or local disease (2) that was more extensive than otherwise demonstrated. In 7 of the 14 scans, the information provided by PET was used to guide or change therapy. Conclusion: Hürthle cell carcinoma demonstrates intense uptake on 18F-FDG PET images. PET improves disease detection and disease management in patients with Hürthle cell carcinoma relative to anatomic or iodine imaging. 18F-FDG PET should be recommended for the evaluation and clinical management of patients with Hürthle cell carcinoma. %U https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/jnumed/44/9/1402.full.pdf