Categories of Potentially Important or Significant CT Findings in a PET/CT Study
| Category | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Major | A finding that may require medical or surgical intervention immediately or within a short time | Abdominal aortic aneurysm, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, tumor invasion/compression of airways, massive pleural/pericardial effusion, large osteolytic lesions with impending fracture, tumor invasion of spinal canal (usually also noted on PET/CT images) |
| Intermediate | A finding that is potentially important or helpful in PET interpretation | Lung nodules without 18F-FDG uptake, pulmonary consolidation, cystic abdominal lesions (renal, hepatic, adnexal), ascites, massive bile duct dilatation, aerobilia, diverticulosis, surgical defects (especially in the head and neck), postsurgical changes (pneumonectomies, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes, colostomy, urinary diversions, surgical clips, prosthetic devices, and fluid collections not associated with abnormal 18F-FDG uptake) |
| Minor | A finding that is not seen on PET, does not affect PET interpretation, but may provide relevant medical information | Gallstones and renal stones, vascular calcifications (especially coronary and renal arteries), myomatous uterus, emphysema, prostate enlargement, extremity edema |