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BMC Medical Imaging

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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Computed Tomography | Research article

Utility of FDG PET/CT for assessment of lung nodules identified during low dose computed tomography screening

Authors: Sarah Hadique, Pranav Jain, Yousaf Hadi, Aneeqah Baig, John E. Parker

Published in: BMC Medical Imaging | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Many clinical guidelines recommend FDG PET/CT for the evaluation of pulmonary nodules ≥8 mm detected during low dose computed tomography (LDCT) lung cancer screening. However, its added value in this setting requires confirmation. We evaluated the clinical utility of FDG PET/CT, including incidental findings, during the evaluation of lung nodules detected on LDCT screening.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed among 75 patients who completed FDG PET/CT between January 2010 and December 2017, after lung nodules > 8 mm had been detected on LDCT lung cancer screening. We report demographic variables, characteristics of the initial nodules on LDCT and FDG PET/CT, incidental findings on FDG PET/CT, as well as further work up performed and the influence of FDG PET/CT findings on management.

Results

Nodules were reported to be benign on FDG PET/CT in 38/75 (50.6%) patients. Physicians chose either radiological follow-up or no further work up in all 38. FDG PET/CT was indeterminate or suggested malignancy in 37 (49.3%) patients. Biopsy was performed in 32 (86%) of these patients. Incidental findings on FDG PET/CT were reported in 37/75 (49%) patients. Further work-up of incidental findings was performed in 21/75 (28%) of patients.

Conclusions

In this study, for majority of individuals with lung nodules identified during LDCT lung cancer screening, FDG PET/CT results were able to guide physicians in choosing between routine follow up or invasive biopsies. Conversely, 28% of these patients required additional investigations to address incidental findings.

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Title: Utility of FDG PET/CT for assessment of lung nodules identified during low dose computed tomography screening
Authors: Sarah Hadique
Pranav Jain
Yousaf Hadi
Aneeqah Baig
John E. Parker
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Computed Tomography
Lung Cancer
Computed Tomography
Lung Cancer
Pulmonary Nodule
Positron Emission Tomography
Lung Cancer
Published in: BMC Medical Imaging / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2342
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12880-020-00469-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Utility of FDG PET/CT for assessment of lung nodules identified during low dose computed tomography screening

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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