PET-CT imaging in pediatric oncology.
Positron emission tomography (PET)-computed tomography (CT) is emerging as a valuable tool for assessing a wide variety of pediatric malignancies, including lymphomas, soft-tissue tumors, and bone sarcomas. PET-CT may provide information that is not apparent on conventional imaging performed to stage these diseases and monitor their response to treatment. The use of PET-CT in children requires an awareness of the technical and logistical issues unique to this patient population. In addition, interpretation of pediatric PET-CT imaging requires familiarity with aspects of pediatric anatomy and physiology that differ from those of adults. In this article, the technical considerations in performing pediatric PET-CT, pitfalls in the diagnostic use of PET-CT in children, and current and emerging applications of PET-CT in pediatric oncology are reviewed.
McCarville
M Beth
MB
Department of Radiological Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. beth.mccarville@stjude.org
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002648:Child; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000188:drug therapy; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18