Diagnostic accuracy of 18-F FDG-PET/CT in evaluation of malignant neuronal involvement in neurologically manifested cancer patients

Abstract

Aim and objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the role of 18-F FDG-PET/CT in evaluating the peripheral malignant neuronal affection as well as perineural tumoral spread that occurs in patients with cancers. Methodology: 50 patients with clinical symptoms of neurological deficits (34 male and 16 female) were included, their ages ranged from 17 to 74 with a mean of 45 years. PET/CT was done for all patients followed by clinical correlation after anti-inflammatory drugs and chemotherapy. Results: Interpretation of the PET/CT studies and clinical correlation revealed 10 true positive cases with malignant neuronal involvement, 4 false positive cases diagnosed clinically as radiotherapy-induced neuropathy, 34 true negative cases and 2 false negative cases with negative PET/CT study and clinical evidence of nerve affection with sensitivity 83.33%, specificity 89.47%, PPV 71.43%, NPV 94.44% and diagnostic accuracy 88%. P-value > 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Conclusion: PET/CT has a significant role in detection of neuronal involvement by malignancy in cancer patients. Correlation between PET/CT and clinical outcome after chemotherapy improves the accuracy of diagnosis.

Keywords

• PET/CT
• Perineural spread
• Malignant neuronal involvement