Implementation of positron emission tomography with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose associated with computed tomography in patients with sarcoidosis

Its effect on disease staging and the therapeutic approach

Abstract

Objetives: to evaluate the benefit of implementing 18F-FDG PET/TC in the staging and treatment adjustment of patients with sarcoidosis, compared with the signs and symptoms and complementary test results usually employed.

Materials and methods: an observational, analytical electronic chart review of a retrospective cohort of patients seen for sarcoidosis in the internal medicine department of a Spanish university hospital.

Results: a total of 31 patients (18 males) were evaluated, with an average age of 54.6±14.71 years and 11±5.75 years since their sarcoidosis diagnosis. In the 84.6% of the reviews, positive uptake was objectified on the 18F-FDG PET/TC. In the 42.3% of the occasions, the objectified finding allowed restaging of the patient. The 18F-FDG PET/TC result justified the choice of treatment in the 71% of the reviews.

Conclusions: 18F-FDG PET/TC provided additional advantages in the staging and therapeutic management of patients with sarcoidosis, compared with the evaluation of signs and symptoms and other clinical tests usually employed in follow up, due to its greater accuracy in determining the activity and extension of the disease.