The prognostic value of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/ computed tomography parameters in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of metabolic 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography parameters in malignant pleural mesothelioma patients. METHODS: A total of 65 patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (34 males, 31 females; median age: 60 years; range, 39 to 84 years) who underwent whole-body 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for staging before treatment between March 2008 and January 2018 were included. Relationships between clinicopathological factors and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography parameters and overall survival were evaluated using a log-rank test and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 13 (range, 4 to 55) months. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a mean survival time of 17±2.6 months. The cumulative two- and five-year survival rates were 34.8% and 7.8%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that ≥60 age, left hemithorax involvement, a maximum standardized uptake value of ≥9.8, c-T4 status, c-M1 status, and non-surgery were negatively associated with overall survival (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that ≥60 age, left hemithorax involvement, a maximum standardized uptake value of ≥9.8, c-M1 status, and a total lesion glycolysis of ≥180.2 g were negatively associated with overall survival (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Metabolic parameters of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography have the potential to provide prognostic information for malignant pleural mesothelioma patients who are receiving surgery and/or chemotherapy.

Intrapericardial goiter.

Intrapericardial goiter cases are only a few in the literature. We present a 53-year-old woman who was operated for 8-cm anterior mediastinal mass located completely intrapericardial and histopathological examination revealed an ectopic goiter. It may be difficult to distinguish between mediastinal masses within or outside the pericardium. Thoracoscopy may be needed in such cases.