Accurate grading of 3 synchronous liposarcomas assessed by PET-CT in a single patient

Clin Nucl Med. 2007 Dec;32(12):937-9. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0b013e31815969a7.

Abstract

Positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) has become an established imaging modality that can accurately and noninvasively differentiate malignant neoplasms from benign masses. It is increasingly being used to grade malignant neoplasms as well and has almost replaced other studies like gallium 67-citrate scans for metabolic imaging. We describe an interesting case of 3 synchronous liposarcomas with different radio-opacifications on computed tomography (CT). The more aggressive lesion with more opacity on CT showed intense FDG activity and was found to be a high-grade liposarcoma on pathology. The well-differentiated lesion with more fat content appearing less radio-opaque on CT showed almost no FDG activity and an intermediate grade lesion with intermediate radio-opacity on CT showed mildly increased FDG activity. Dual modality imaging with integrated PET/CT systems have strengthened the confidence of classifying these lesions even before knowing the pathology as depicted in this case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Contrast Media
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18* / pharmacokinetics
  • Humans
  • Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted
  • Liposarcoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Liposarcoma / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / pathology
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiopharmaceuticals* / pharmacokinetics
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Retroperitoneal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Contrast Media
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18