How useful is PET/CT imaging in the management of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease after liver transplantation?

Am J Transplant. 2006 Jul;6(7):1731-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2006.01358.x.

Abstract

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication after solid organ transplantation. Here, we report our first experience with the use of PET/CT (positron emission tomography combined with computed tomogram) for the management of patients with PTLD after liver transplantation. Four patients with histologically proven PTLD were analyzed. Conventional work-up included physical examination and head-to-pelvis CT. PET/CT was used in one patient for initial staging and in all patients for follow-up. PET/CT positive findings underwent biopsy. Information provided by PET/CT resulted in a change of medical management in three of the four patients. Conventional work-up missed residual disease after surgery in one and failed to detect a tumor relapse in another patient. However, one patient disclosed a false positive PET/CT finding in the lungs. In conclusion, PET/CT may be a useful tool for staging and therapy monitoring of PTLD after liver transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation* / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / diagnostic imaging*
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*