Combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography for the detection of recurrent ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma.
BACKGROUND
The role of combined positron emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) in the diagnosis of recurrent ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma is uncertain because of previous reports that PET has limited sensitivity in the detection of mucinous neoplasms.


METHODS
A 71-year-old white woman presented with complaints of right lower quadrant pain and a palpable adnexal mass. Physical examination and transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a 12 x 13 cm cystic mass in the left side of the pelvis. Exploratory laparotomy, optimal tumor-reductive surgery, total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, appendectomy, and omentectomy were performed. The diagnosis was FIGO stage IIIC well-differentiated ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma. The patient was treated with 6 cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel. Four months after completing chemotherapy, the patient was noted to have an elevated serum CA125 level (72 U/mL), being otherwise asymptomatic. Findings on abdominal and pelvic CT were compatible with postsurgical changes. PET-CT was performed and revealed increased metabolism along the posterior aspect of the right rectus abdominis muscle and abutting the anterior wall of an adjacent loop of bowel.


CONCLUSIONS
PET-CT may identify clinically occult recurrent ovarian mucinous adenocarcinoma.
Martínez-Román
Sergio
S
Institut Clínic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia, Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.
Ramirez
Pedro T
PT
Oh
Jonathan
J
Viciedo
Marcelo Gonzalez
MG
MacApinlac
Homer A
HA
D002288:Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005462:Fluorine Radioisotopes; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D005462:Fluorine Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18