Risk stratification in the investigation of pulmonary nodules in a high-risk cohort: positron emission tomography/computed tomography outperforms clinical risk prediction algorithms.

Background: Clinical prediction models and 18-fluorine-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) are used for the assessment of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN); however, a biopsy is still required before treatment, which carries risk.

Aim: To determine the combined predictive benefit of one such model combined with modern PET/CT data to improve decision-making about biopsy prior to treatment and possibly reduce costs.

Methods: Patients with a SPN undergoing 18F-FDG-PET/CT from January 2011 to December 2012 were retrospectively identified; 143 patients met inclusion criteria.

Unusual soft tissue infiltrates with 18F-FDG uptake in a patient with hairy cell leukemia.

Hairy cell leukemia (HCL) is an uncommon B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder, representing approximately 2% of leukemias. Diagnostic features include pancytopenia, splenomegaly, bone marrow reticulin fibrosis, and circulating hairy cells. Less commonly, there may be involvement of the liver and lymph nodes.

18F-FDG uptake in multiple splenic foci on PET/CT: an unusual case of visceral leishmaniasis.

A previously well 48-year-old male patient presented with several months of weight loss, fever, massive hepatosplenomegaly, and pancytopenia. A provisional diagnosis of lymphoma could not be confirmed on blind lymph node or bone marrow biopsies. Referral for 18F-FDG PET was made to identify an appropriate biopsy site.