RESUMEN
Objective To explore the value of 18F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis (RP). Methods 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging features of 28 patients of RP (RP group) and 28 healthy volunteers (control group) were retrospectively analyzed. The lesions' location, shape, margins, density and the maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) were analyzed. ROC curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of SUVmax of lesions in diagnosis of RP. Results In all 28 RP patients, increased density, blurred boundary and thickened wall of trachea and bronchus were found in 24 cases. Four cases showed increased density and fuzzy boundary, as well as edema and thickening in larynx cartilages. Totally 91 lesions were found with PET/CT, located in the nasal cartilages, bilateral auricular cartilages, costal cartilages, laryngeal cartilages, trachea and bronchial cartilages, respectively. SUVmax of lesions on each site in RP group was higher than those in control group (all P0.90), while SUVmax of nasal cartilages had a moderate diagnostic value (AUC=0.71). Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT manifestations of RP have some characteristics, and can display multiple lesions simultaneously, therefore being helpful to diagnosis of RP.