18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging in brain tumours: The Western Australia positron emission tomography/cyclotron service experience

Summary 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) scans in the first 49 patients referred with either possible brain tumour or brain tumour recurrence were reviewed. FDG‐PET imaging was reported with reference to anatomical imaging. Based on the report the FDG study was classified as either positive or negative for the presence of tumour. Thirty‐eight cases were included in the analysis, 21 having pathological data and 17 with diagnostic clinical follow up. Eleven were excluded, as they had inadequate follow‐up data. Of the 21 cases with pathology, 18 were shown to have tumour. In this group there were five false‐negative scans and two false‐positive PET scans. Seventeen cases were assessed by clinical follow up, nine were considered to have been tumour. There were two false negatives with one false positive. The overall sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were 74, 73, 87 and 53% respectively. This is similar to figures previously quoted in published work. Despite relatively limited numbers, the utility of FDG PET imaging in our hands is similar to published reports. With a positive predictive value of 87%, a positive FDG study indicates a high likelihood that there is brain tumour present. A negative study does not exclude the presence of tumour.