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World J Radiol. Oct 28, 2014; 6(10): 741-755
Published online Oct 28, 2014. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v6.i10.741
2-deoxy-2-(18F)fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging in paediatric oncology
John Freebody, Eva A Wegner, Monica A Rossleigh
John Freebody, Eva A Wegner, Monica A Rossleigh, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, The Prince of Wales and Sydney Children’s Hospitals, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
Author contributions: All authors contributed to the writing and editing of this manuscript.
Correspondence to: John Freebody, BSc MBBS, Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, The Prince of Wales and Sydney Children’s Hospitals, Barker St, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia. john.freebody@health.nsw.gov.au
Telephone: +61-2-93822200 Fax: +61-2-93822235
Received: December 26, 2013
Revised: March 5, 2014
Accepted: September 16, 2014
Published online: October 28, 2014
Abstract

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a minimally invasive technique which has been well validated for the diagnosis, staging, monitoring of response to therapy, and disease surveillance of adult oncology patients. Traditionally the value of PET and PET/computed tomography (CT) hybrid imaging has been less clearly defined for paediatric oncology. However recent evidence has emerged regarding the diagnostic utility of these modalities, and they are becoming increasingly important tools in the evaluation and monitoring of children with known or suspected malignant disease. Important indications for 2-deoxy-2-(18F)fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) PET in paediatric oncology include lymphoma, brain tumours, sarcoma, neuroblastoma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, urogenital tumours and neurofibromatosis type I. This article aims to review current evidence for the use of FDG PET and PET/CT in these indications. Attention will also be given to technical and logistical issues, the description of common imaging pitfalls, and dosimetric concerns as they relate to paediatric oncology.

Keywords: Positron emission tomography, Computed tomography, Fluorodeoxyglucose F18, Paediatrics, Oncology, Technical issues, Dosimetry

Core tip: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography has emerged as a powerful and important tool in the assessment of a variety of childhood cancers and can impact significantly on patient management. Further prospective studies will more clearly delineate the precise role of this modality in the assessment of individual malignancies. Accurate image interpretation requires a thorough understanding of the normal variants of uptake unique to children.