Postradiation changes in tissues: evaluation by imaging studies with emphasis on fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/computed tomography and correlation with histopathologic findings

Abstract

Efforts have been made to minimize the damage to adjacent normal tissues during radiotherapy, primarily by shifting from the use of conventional radiotherapy to more advanced techniques. Reviewing the overall pattern on combined anatomic and functional imaging can enhance diagnostic accuracy. Several radiotracers can be used; [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose is the most common. Familiarity with the type and timing of previous radiation therapy, the spectrum of imaging findings after radiation injury, and the appropriate use of the different radiotracers can be crucial. This article summarizes postradiation histologic findings and multimodality imaging findings, with emphasis on PET/computed tomography.

Keywords: Fluorodeoxyglucose; Positron emission tomography/computed tomography; Postradiation change; Radiation; Tissue necrosis; Tolerance dose.