The clinical value of PET/CT imaging in differential diagnosis of pancreatic tumours – analysis of 52 cases

Introduction: Conventional imaging techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are able to detect pancreatic masses but are not always able to differentiate a malignancy from other benign disease processes. Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET/CT) is one of the most modern methods of functional and morphological imaging of the entire body or selected organ.
Aim: To assess the clinical value of positron emission tomography with CT (PET/CT) in the differentiation of malignant from benign pancreatic tumour. Material and methods: 52 patients with pancreatic tumour detected by conventional imaging methods were selected for this study. The PET/CT was performed with a Siemens Biograph LSO 60 minutes after intravenous administration of 5 MBq/kg 18-F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG).
Results: 23/52 patients had pancreatic cancer and 29/52 patients benign disease. PET/CT correctly diagnosed all malignant tumours. False positive results were caused by inflammatory tumours in 6 patients. No false negative findings were found. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for cancer detection were 100, 79.3 and 88.5% respectively.
Conclusions: PET/CT imaging may have significant clinical value in differential diagnosis of malignant vs. benign pancreatic lesions in patients with pancreatic tumours detected by conventional imaging methods. PET/CT imaging can be effectively helpful for other useful diagnostic methods which are used in pancreatic cancer.