title: [Importance of PET/CT for imaging of colorectal cancer].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) has emerged as a very useful imaging modality in the management of colorectal carcinoma. Data from the literature regarding the role of PET/CT in the initial diagnosis, staging, radiotherapy planning, response monitoring and surveillance of colorectal carcinoma is presented. Future directions and economic aspects are discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and FDG-PET for colorectal cancer and endorectal ultrasound for rectal cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  Combined FDG-PET/CT.
  
  
  METHODS
  While other imaging modalities allow superior visualization of the extent and invasion depth of the primary tumor, PET/CT is most sensitive for the detection of distant metastases of colorectal cancer.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We recommend a targeted use of PET/CT in cases of unclear M staging, prior to metastasectomy and in suspected cases of residual or recurrent colorectal carcinoma with equivocal conventional imaging. The role of PET/CT in radiotherapy planning and response monitoring needs to be determined. Currently there is no evidence to support the routine use of PET/CT for colorectal screening, staging or surveillance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  To optimally exploit the synergy between morphologic and functional information, FDG-PET should generally be performed as an integrated FDG-PET/CT with a contrast-enhanced CT component in colorectal carcinoma.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Klinische Radiologie, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Campus Großhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland. felix.meinel@med.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: F G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Meinel
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Schramm
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Haug
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Graser
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Reiser
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rist
mesh_terms: D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D006801:Humans; D064847:Multimodal Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18