The role of positron emission tomography/computed tomography in the diagnosis of pleural diseases

A. Orki, O. Akin, A. E. Tasci, H. Ciftci, S. Urek, O. Falay, C. A. Kutlu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the role of F-18 fluoro-2-D-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG-PET)/ computed tomography (CT) in patients with undiagnosed pleural diseases and to compare the findings with those of invasive diagnostic procedures. Methods: The study included 83 patients with pleural lesions (63 with pleural effusion; 20 with pleural thickening) on CT scan performed between November 2005 and December 2007. The study group consisted of 63 males and 20 females; their median age was 47 years, PET-CT scan was performed for all patients before surgery. A maximum standard uptake value greater than 3.0 was accepted as positive for malignancy. For histopathological diagnosis, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 76 patients and a mini-thoracotomy was performed for the remaining 7 patients. Results: Postoperative histopathological examination revealed malignancy in 44 cases, 25 of which were malignant mesothelioma; the remaining 39 cases were benign. There were no false negative results, but two false positive results (tuberculosis), PET-CT scanning had 100% sensitivity, 94.8% specificity and 97.5% accuracy, Conclusion: Our study suggests that PET-CT may be an effective tool for the differentiation of benign and malignant pleural diseases, We believe that PET/CT may prevent redundant surgical procedures in young patients who are SUVmax negative.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)217-221
Number of pages5
JournalThoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon
Volume57
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • PET/CT
  • Pleural diseases
  • VATS

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