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18F-FDG PET imaging of progressive massive fibrosis

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Abstract

Purpose

This study was to evaluate 18F-FDG PET features of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and to determine the ability of FDG PET to differentiate pure PMF from PMF-associated lung cancer.

Methods

18F-FDG PET and chest computed tomography (CT) scans were performed in 9 patients with pneumoconiosis and PMF. Patients who showed active pulmonary tuberculosis on CT scan were excluded. Pure PMF was confirmed via either fine needle aspiration biopsy (n = 6) or 12 months follow-up CT scan (n = 3). CT features and PET findings were evaluated for distribution of fibrotic masses, consolidations, and nodules on CT scan and mean and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVs) of abnormalities depicted on PET scan.

Results

14 masses were detected from nine patients. On chest CT scan, PMF masses were noted with surrounding small nodules and distortion of parenchyma. The size of the lesions ranged from 1.2 to 6.4 cm in maximum diameter. FDG PET scans identified metabolically active lesions in all patients. Maximal SUV ranged from 3.1 to 14.6 and mean SUV ranged from 1.4 to 8.5.

Conclusion

FDG PET can identify PMF lesions as hypermetabolic lesions even without associated malignancy or tuberculosis. Therefore, it might have a limited role in the diagnosis of PMF with possible concurrent granulomatous inflammation or lung cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Kyunggi-Do, Republic of Korea

    Soo Yoon Chung

  2. Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Jae Hoon Lee, Tae Hoon Kim & Sang Jin Kim

  3. Department of Pulmonology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea

    Hyung Joong Kim

  4. Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 146-92 Dogok-Dong, Kangnam-Gu, Seoul, 135-270, Republic of Korea

    Young Hoon Ryu

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  1. Soo Yoon Chung
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Correspondence to Young Hoon Ryu.

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Chung, S.Y., Lee, J.H., Kim, T.H. et al. 18F-FDG PET imaging of progressive massive fibrosis. Ann Nucl Med 24, 21–27 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12149-009-0322-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12149-009-0322-9

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