The role of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in paediatric Langerhans disease: Case report

Hell J Nucl Med. 2023 Sep-Dec;26(3):215-218. doi: 10.1967/s002449912611.

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a haematological disorder, affecting single or multiple organs, characterized by abnormal proliferation of Langerhans cells in children. Accurate tumour delineation (number of lesions, organs involved) is crucial for staging/re-staging, and follow-up (response to therapy). Conventional imaging techniques (computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) have been employed for initial diagnosis, staging and assessment of response to therapy focusing on the healing effect therapeutic protocols have on the disease. In this case report, whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was shown either to provide information on the metabolic activity of histiocytes, or identify lesions otherwise asymptomatic. It is clear that PET/CT, combining anatomic and metabolic information, provides data for accurate staging, therapeutic protocol selection and assessment of response to therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell* / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Radiopharmaceuticals