ABSTRACT
The potential of positron emission tomography (PET) to distinguish benign from malignant ovarian tissue was evaluated by comparing the results of F-18 fluoro-2-D-deoxyglucose (F-18-FDG) PET scans with computed tomography and surgical findings. If sufficiently sensitive, this method might play a role in localizing metabolically active tumor sites for diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of ovarian cancer. Fifty-one patients had imaging studies prior to laparotomy for suspected ovarian cancer. PET scans were done with an ECAT 931-08-12 or ECAT EXACT (Model 921, Siemens/CTI, Knoxville, TN) after iv injection of 185-370 MBq of F-18-FDG. (ECAT is a trade name for "emission computerized axial tomograph.") Data were acquired in dynamic scanning mode and time activity curves (TACs) were evaluated in multiple regions of interest identified by visual interpretation of the PET scans. Scan interpretation, standardized uptake values, and TAC profiles were related to surgical and histological findings. The results of this pilot study show good correlation between PET and histological findings. The positive predictive value of PET for ovarian cancer was 86% and, perhaps more important, the negative predictive value was 76%. This early work indicates that PET may be useful in the management of patients with ovarian neoplasms by identifying occult foci of metabolically active tumor that do not appear on morphological studies.
Subject(s)
Deoxyglucose/analogs & derivatives , Ovarian Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging , Tomography, Emission-Computed , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Female , Flow Cytometry , Fluorine Radioisotopes , Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Middle Aged , Ovarian Neoplasms/secondary , Pilot ProjectsABSTRACT
Prostaglandin administration is the main therapy for ductal-dependent congenital heart disease prior to definitive therapy. We report a case in which tetralogy of Fallot and Noonan syndrome were diagnosed, complicated by small pulmonary arteries, which occasioned a delay in surgery. Treatment was started with prostaglandins, which were given for a total of 2 months, and a diffuse periosteal reaction occurred secondary to the administration of intravenous prostaglandin E1.
Subject(s)
Alprostadil/adverse effects , Periosteum/drug effects , Alprostadil/therapeutic use , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Periosteum/diagnostic imaging , Pulmonary Artery/abnormalities , Radiography , Tetralogy of Fallot/complications , Tetralogy of Fallot/drug therapyABSTRACT
Ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scanning is a useful predictor of pulmonary embolism. However, chest films and arterial blood gas studies are essential for proper interpretation of V/Q studies. The combination of clear, rapid reporting and good clinical judgment leads to improved management of patients in whom pulmonary embolism is suspected and avoids severe, life-threatening consequences.
