PET/CT scans show value in patients with rare type of pancreatitis

F-18 FDG-PET/CT scans may help predict relapses in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis, according to a study published January 17 in BMC Gastroenterology. In an analysis of F-18 FDG-PET/CT scans in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) prior to treatment, specific imaging findings were higher in a group that subsequently relapsed than in those who did not relapse, noted first authors Shengxin Chen and Guanyun Wang, of Chinese PLA General Hospital in Beijing, and colleagues. “Relapse seriously affects the lives of patients and comprises a heavy psychological burden; therefore, it is necessary to identify predictors of relapse during clinical diagnosis and treatment,” the group wrote. AIP is a rare form of chronic pancreatitis first described in 1995, the authors explained. The clinical profile of AIP includes enlargement of the pancreas, irregular narrowing of the pancreatic duct, and the involvement of multiple organs. While patients respond well to treatment with corticosteroids, relapse rates may be as high as 60% and there is no definite consensus regarding the predictive factors in these cases, they added. To that end, the group explored the use of F-18 FDG-PET/CT. They noted that the technique is used to evaluate involved organs, lesion severity, and to monitor AIP patient responses to treatment, yet its predictive value for AIP relapse is unknown. Out of 103 consecutive patients with AIP who underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT before treatment, they included a c...
Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Molecular Imaging Source Type: news