Brain abnormalities detected on whole-body 18F-FDG PET in cancer patients: spectrum of findings

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2007 Mar;188(3):866-73. doi: 10.2214/AJR.06.0109.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this article is to discuss and show examples of the PET appearance of common brain abnormalities that radiologists encounter when interpreting whole-body 18F-FDG PET examinations of cancer patients.

Conclusion: Knowledge of the PET appearance of various brain abnormalities can yield diagnostically relevant information in cancer patients. Detection of brain abnormalities on whole-body PET often requires adjusting window settings to reduce the intensity of normal brain FDG activity. Often, close correlation of PET/CT and MRI with clinical history offers the most complete radiologic diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18