Characteristics of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in anastomotic sinus and fistula following rectal cancer surgery

Abstract Purpose To assess the characteristics of FDG uptake in persisting anastomotic sinus and fistula following rectal cancer surgery. Methods Eight patients with anastomotic sinus and fistula were retrospectively studied. Results A total of 13 anastomotic sinuses (n=11) and fistulas (n=2) were observed. 16 FDG-PET/CT studies for 13 lesions performed and 26 uptake patterns were evaluated. Twenty-one lesions were found to have diffuse increased uptake, while four lesions had focal uptake. There was only one lesion without FDG uptake. Conclusions Increased FDG uptake is frequently observed in anastomotic sinus and fistula, which should be known to avoid making wrong diagnosis.