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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 217-221 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeon |
Volume | 57 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- PET/CT
- Pleural diseases
- VATS