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European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

Published in:

01-07-2010 | Original Article

Utility of positron emission tomography for tumour surveillance in children with neurofibromatosis type 1

Authors: Mahendranath Moharir, Kevin London, Robert Howman-Giles, Kathryn North

Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging | Issue 7/2010

Abstract

Purpose

There is little consensus regarding optimal surveillance of optic pathway glioma (OPG) and plexiform neurofibroma (PNF) in childhood neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). ¹⁸F-2-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET/CT) is employed in the surveillance of adult PNFs; but its utility has neither been specifically studied in children with PNFs nor in children with OPG.

Methods

Review of PET/CT studies was performed in NF1 children with OPG or PNF. FDG-avidity of tumours was semi-quantitatively analysed and graded by calculating the maximum standardised uptake value (SUV_max) [grade 1: <3 (low), grade 2: >3–<4 (intermediate), grade 3: >4 (intense)].

Results

Eighteen children (ten girls; median age: 8.5–years) had PET/CT. Nineteen OPGs were imaged. The SUV_max could be measured in 16. Ten were grade 1 and three each were grade 2 and grade 3. FDG-avidity reduced from grade 3 to grade 1 in two symptomatic OPGs following chemotherapy and this was associated with clinical improvement. PET/CT diagnosed symptomatic OPGs with a sensitivity of 0.625 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.259–0.897] and specificity of 0.875 (95% CI: 0.466–0.993). Sixteen PNFs were imaged. Twelve were grade 1 and two each were grade 2 and grade 3. The two grade 3 PNFs were confirmed malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours. PET/CT diagnosed malignant transformation with a sensitivity of 1.0 (95% CI: 0.197–1.0) and specificity of 0.857 (95% CI: 0.561–0.974).

Conclusion

PET/CT may contribute useful information to the surveillance of OPG in childhood NF1—particularly to identify progressive, symptomatic tumours. As in adults, PET/CT is useful for the detection of malignant transformation in PNFs in children with NF1.

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Title: Utility of positron emission tomography for tumour surveillance in children with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Mahendranath Moharir
Kevin London
Robert Howman-Giles
Kathryn North
Publication date: 01-07-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging / Issue 7/2010
Print ISSN: 1619-7070
Electronic ISSN: 1619-7089
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-010-1386-4

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Utility of positron emission tomography for tumour surveillance in children with neurofibromatosis type 1

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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