Variants and Pitfalls of PET/CT in Neuroendocrine Tumors

Semin Nucl Med. 2021 Sep;51(5):519-528. doi: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2021.03.001. Epub 2021 Apr 7.

Abstract

Management of patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) is complex and warrants referral of these patients to high volume centers with appropriate expertise to ensure favorable outcomes. PET/CT becomes increasingly important in every step of their management and outcome. The choice of radiopharmaceutical heavily depends on tumor origin, which is intimately interconnected to embryology, grade and clinical presentation (eg, diagnostic vs theranostic settings). The aim of this review is to describe the role of SSTR, 18F-FDOPA, and 18F-FDG-PET imaging in the evaluation of NEN patients. There is emphasis on the main variants, caveats, and pitfalls that can be observed within these modalities. Nuclear physicians must be equipped with the skills to handle potential variants, caveats, and pitfalls that are commonly encountered in NEN imaging, and they should understand the expected imaging features that are encountered across various types of NENs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Neuroendocrine Tumors* / diagnostic imaging
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18