Use of [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in evaluating locally recurrent and metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Adrenocortical carcinomas are uncommon, and their evaluation by [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) has not been well evaluated.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the potential utility of FDG PET in the detection of recurrent or metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma.


METHODS
In patients with known adrenocortical carcinoma who underwent FDG-PET imaging for suspected recurrence or metastasis, FDG activity was compared with other imaging findings, clinical features, and the presence or absence of disease as confirmed by resection, biopsy, or clinical follow-up.


METHODS
The study took place at four tertiary referral centers.


METHODS
Twelve patients (10 females and two males, 5-71 yr of age) were evaluated.


METHODS
The main outcome measures were FDG activity, other imaging findings, and clinical features.


RESULTS
Abnormal FDG uptake correctly indicated tumor recurrence in 10 patients. One patient with no abnormal FDG activity had a morphological abnormality subsequently proven to be a postoperative scar. Two patients, one with very small pulmonary lesions and one with a hepatic metastasis, had false-negative findings.


CONCLUSIONS
Most adrenocortical carcinomas accumulate and retain FDG and thus can be visualized by PET. However, false-negative findings are possible, especially with very small lesions.
Mackie
Gavin C
GC
Department of Radiological Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 North Lauderdale, Mail Stop 752, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-2794, USA.
Shulkin
Barry L
BL
Ribeiro
Raul C
RC
Worden
Francis P
FP
Gauger
Paul G
PG
Mody
Rajen J
RJ
Connolly
Len P
LP
Kunter
Ghada
G
Rodriguez-Galindo
Carlos
C
Wallis
Jerold W
JW
Hurwitz
Craig A
CA
Schteingart
David E
DE
D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000556:secondary; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography
D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18