In:
Nuklearmedizin, Georg Thieme Verlag KG, Vol. 51, No. 05 ( 2012), p. 194-200
Kurzfassung:
Objective: This study aimed at investigating the diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in cases of suspected spondylodiscitis after inconclusive results in initial diagnostic imaging. Patients, methods: We analysed 38 consecutive cases of suspected spondylodiscitis (mean age: 67 ± 14 years) with chronic back pain referred to our Department during a fouryear- period after inconclusive results in MRI or other conventional modalities. Clinical histories were retrospectively worked up and results of 18F-FDG PET/CT and MRI were analysed and related to the results of biopsy, blood culture and a one-year clinical followup. 18F-FDG PET/CT was analysed qualitatively by visual analysis and quantitatively. We measured the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in the region of back pain and in a corresponding reference region (RR) in each patient and calculated a SUVmax-ratio. Results: 22/38 patients had confirmed spondylodiscitis, while 16 were negative. 18F-FDG PET/CT established a correct diagnosis in 34 out of 38 patients by visual analysis. 18F-FDG PET/CT reached a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 81.8%, 100%, 89.5% and a PPV and NPV of 100% and 80%. MRI, performed in 27 patients reached a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 75%, 71.4%, 74.1% and a PPV and NPV of 88.2% and 50%. Patients with confirmed spondylodiscitis showed a significantly (p 〈 0.05) higher SUVmax of 5.1 ± 1.9 and SUVmax-ratio of 1.9 ± 0.8 than patients without it (SUVmax (3.8 ± 1.5), SUVmaxratio (1.2 ± 0.3). Conclusion:
18F-FDG PET/CT provided diagnostic information in most patients with chronic back pain and suspected spondylodiscitis. It was helpful in establishing a correct diagnosis in challenging cases of spondylodiscitis with mostly unclear findings in previous MRI.
Materialart:
Online-Ressource
ISSN:
0029-5566
,
2567-6407
DOI:
10.3413/Nukmed-0473-12-01
Sprache:
Englisch
Verlag:
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Publikationsdatum:
2012
