Incidence of Incidental Findings on Pediatric Oncologic PET/CT

• Main Authors: Indu Rekha Meesa (Author), Joseph J.Junewick (Author), Paul Shreve (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: International Journal of Radiology and Radiation Oncology - Peertechz Publications, 2015-12-08.
• Subjects: Research Article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

<p>The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and significance of incidental findings on pediatric oncologic PET/CT. A retrospective analysis of all PET/CT scans obtained at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital between 2004-2008 in pediatric oncology patients was performed.Specific data points for study including DOB, primary diagnosis, secondary diagnosis, treatment status (chemotherapy and radiation) and PET/CT findings were obtained. Studies were reviewed and findings confirmed with board certified Nuclear Medicine and Pediatric Radiologists. Total of 104 patients with various tumors/malignancies underwent 323 integrated PET/CT for staging or monitoring. Of these 104 patients, 71 (68%) had at least one incidental finding present on the PET/CT and 116 of 323 (36%) studies had at least 1 incidental CT finding. In conclusion, our retrospective study shows that careful evaluation of especially the CT component of integrated PET/CT scans provides clinically important information which may necessitate additional workup or treatment. </p>