18F-FDG PET imaging of progressive massive fibrosis.
OBJECTIVE
This study was to evaluate (18)F-FDG PET features of progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) and to determine the ability of FDG PET to differentiate pure PMF from PMF-associated lung cancer.


METHODS
(18)F-FDG PET and chest computed tomography (CT) scans were performed in 9 patients with pneumoconiosis and PMF. Patients who showed active pulmonary tuberculosis on CT scan were excluded. Pure PMF was confirmed via either fine needle aspiration biopsy (n = 6) or 12 months follow-up CT scan (n = 3). CT features and PET findings were evaluated for distribution of fibrotic masses, consolidations, and nodules on CT scan and mean and maximum standardized uptake values (SUVs) of abnormalities depicted on PET scan.


RESULTS
14 masses were detected from nine patients. On chest CT scan, PMF masses were noted with surrounding small nodules and distortion of parenchyma. The size of the lesions ranged from 1.2 to 6.4 cm in maximum diameter. FDG PET scans identified metabolically active lesions in all patients. Maximal SUV ranged from 3.1 to 14.6 and mean SUV ranged from 1.4 to 8.5.


CONCLUSIONS
FDG PET can identify PMF lesions as hypermetabolic lesions even without associated malignancy or tuberculosis. Therefore, it might have a limited role in the diagnosis of PMF with possible concurrent granulomatous inflammation or lung cancer.
Chung
Soo Yoon
SY
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yongin Severance Hospital, Research Institute of Radiological Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin, Kyunggi-Do, Republic of Korea.
Lee
Jae Hoon
JH
Kim
Tae Hoon
TH
Kim
Sang Jin
SJ
Kim
Hyung Joong
HJ
Ryu
Young Hoon
YH
D000368:Aged; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18