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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

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01-11-2021 | Autoimmune Encephalitis | Review Article

Brain ¹⁸F-FDG PET for the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis: a systematic review and a meta-analysis

Authors: Manon Bordonne, Mohammad B. Chawki, Matthieu Doyen, Aurelie Kas, Eric Guedj, Louise Tyvaert, Antoine Verger

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 12/2021

Abstract

Objective

To consolidate current understanding of detection sensitivity of brain ¹⁸F-FDG PET scans in the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis and to define specific metabolic imaging patterns for the most frequently occurring autoantibodies.

Methods

A systematic and exhaustive search of data available in the literature was performed by querying the PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane databases for the search terms: ((PET) OR (positron emission tomography)) AND ((FDG) OR (fluorodeoxyglucose)) AND ((encephalitis) OR (brain inflammation)). Studies had to satisfy the following criteria: (i) include at least ten pediatric or adult patients suspected or diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis according to the current recommendations, (ii) specifically present ¹⁸F-FDG PET and/or morphologic imaging findings. The diagnostic ¹⁸F-FDG PET detection sensitivity in autoimmune encephalitis was determined for all cases reported in this systematic review, according to a meta-analysis following the PRISMA method, and selected publication quality was assessed with the QUADAS-2 tool.

Results

The search strategy identified 626 articles including references from publications. The detection sensitivity of ¹⁸F-FDG PET was 87% (80–92%) based on 21 publications and 444 patients included in the meta-analysis. We also report specific brain ¹⁸F-FDG PET imaging patterns for the main encephalitis autoantibody subtypes.

Conclusion and relevance

Brain ¹⁸F-FDG PET has a high detection sensitivity and should be included in future diagnostic autoimmune encephalitis recommendations. Specific metabolic ¹⁸F-FDG PET patterns corresponding to the main autoimmune encephalitis autoantibody subtypes further enhance the value of this diagnostic.

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Title: Brain 18F-FDG PET for the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis: a systematic review and a meta-analysis
Authors: Manon Bordonne
Mohammad B. Chawki
Matthieu Doyen
Aurelie Kas
Eric Guedj
Louise Tyvaert
Antoine Verger
Publication date: 01-11-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Autoimmune Encephalitis
Encephalitis
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 12/2021
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-021-05299-y

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Brain ¹⁸F-FDG PET for the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis: a systematic review and a meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion and relevance

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion and relevance

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