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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

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01-01-2012 | Original Article

Functional testicular evaluation using PET/CT with ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose

Authors: Lawrence Oliver Dierickx, Eric Huyghe, Daniela Nogueira, Slimane Zerdoud, Thomas Filleron, Séverine Brillouet, Boris Delauney, Jacques Montagut, Louis Bujan, Pierre Plante, Frédéric Courbon

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Purpose

PET/CT using ¹⁸F-FDG is a well-established diagnostic examination in oncology, cardiology and neurology. The clinical significance of nontumoral testicular uptake of FDG is unknown. Functional testicular imaging may have important clinical applications in the diagnosis and prognosis of male infertility. The aim of this study was to determine the andrological value of a FDG PET/CT in analysing testicular function, by correlating the PET/CT data with the sperm parameters.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of FDG PET/CT in 20 consecutive cancer patients without testicular pathology in whom two semen samples had been obtained for analysis before any chemotherapy. FDG PET/CT parameters were the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), used for measuring the intensity of uptake, and the functional testicular volume (FV). For statistical analysis, a Spearman's rank correlation test and a Mann-Whitney test were used.

Results

Of 20 patients (mean age 22 years), 18 had provided two sperm samples for cryopreservation. Sperm concentration was above 20 × 10⁶/ml in 55% of the patients. The intensity of uptake and the FV were correlated with the total sperm count, the sperm concentration and motility (p < 0.05). The difference in SUVmean between the two testes showed an inverse correlation with sperm concentration (p = 0.036). Normospermic and oligospermic men had significant differences in: (1) mean SUVmean, (2) mean FV, and (3) the difference in intensity of uptake between the testes (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This is the first report on the andrological value of FDG PET/CT in analysing nontumoral testicular function. This pilot study showed a significant correlation between intensity of uptake of FDG and testicular FV with the main sperm parameters. PET/CT with FDG could become a useful new tool in assisted reproductive technologies and other andrological or urological applications.

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Title: Functional testicular evaluation using PET/CT with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose
Authors: Lawrence Oliver Dierickx
Eric Huyghe
Daniela Nogueira
Slimane Zerdoud
Thomas Filleron
Séverine Brillouet
Boris Delauney
Jacques Montagut
Louis Bujan
Pierre Plante
Frédéric Courbon
Publication date: 01-01-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-011-1929-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Functional testicular evaluation using PET/CT with ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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