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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

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01-11-2004 | Original Article

Side-by-side reading of PET and CT scans in oncology: which patients might profit from integrated PET/CT?

Authors: Patrick Reinartz, Franz-Josef Wieres, Wolfram Schneider, Alexander Schur, Ulrich Buell

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 11/2004

Abstract

Purpose

Most early publications on integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) devices have reported the new scanner generation to be superior to conventional PET. However, few of these studies have analysed the situation where, in addition to PET, a current CT scan is available for side-by-side viewing. This fact is important, because combined PET/CT or a software-based fusion of the two modalities may improve diagnosis only in cases where side-by-side reading of PET and CT data does not lead to a definitive diagnosis. The aim of this study was to analyse which patients will profit from integrated PET/CT in terms of lesion characterization.

Methods

A total of 328 consecutively admitted patients referred for PET in whom a current CT scan was available were included in the study. The localization of all pathological PET lesions, as well as possible infiltration of adjacent anatomical structures, was assessed.

Results

Of 467 pathological lesions, 94.0% were correctly assessed with respect to localization and infiltration by either conventional PET alone (51.6%) or combined reading of PET and the already existing CT scans (42.4%). Hence, in only 6.0% of all lesions, affecting 6.7% of all patients, could evaluation have profited from integrated PET/CT.

Conclusion

We conclude that side-by-side viewing of PET and CT scans is essential, as in 42.4% of all cases, combined viewing was important for a correct diagnosis in our series. In up to 6.7% of patients, integrated PET/CT might have given additional information, so that in nearly 50% of patients some form of combined viewing of PET and CT data is needed for accurate lesion characterization.

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Title: Side-by-side reading of PET and CT scans in oncology: which patients might profit from integrated PET/CT?
Authors: Patrick Reinartz
Franz-Josef Wieres
Wolfram Schneider
Alexander Schur
Ulrich Buell
Publication date: 01-11-2004
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 11/2004
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-004-1593-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Side-by-side reading of PET and CT scans in oncology: which patients might profit from integrated PET/CT?

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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