Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) : The value of 18-Florine Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography (PET / CT) in comparison to conventional imaging modalities Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of 18F FDG PET/CT in the management of NPC in comparison to conventional imaging modalities. METHODS: This retrospective study was done at Ospedale Niguarda, Milan, Italy. Data acquired from 24 NPC patients between May 2003 and December 2006. They had FDG PET/CT and CT or MRI during initial diagnosis and at follow up. Each findings was tabulated and compared with tissue biopsy at diagnosis and clinical status during follow up after therapy. Statistical calculation was done to derive the value of each modalities.RESULTS; The sensitivity and accuracy of PET / CT and CT / MRI are equally high at diagnosis. At follow up, a negative PET / CT finding suggests complete remission with sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: 18F FDG PET/CT is a potential modality to be utilized in following up NPC patients for evaluating response to therapy.

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