Can dynamic imaging, using F-FDG PET/CT and CT perfusion differentiate between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules?

Background: The aim of the study was to derive and compare metabolic parameters relating to benign and malignant pulmonary nodules using dynamic 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro-D-glucose (F-FDG) PET/CT, and nodule perfusion parameters derived through perfusion computed tomography (CT).

Patients And Methods: Twenty patients with 21 pulmonary nodules incidentally detected on CT underwent a dynamic F-FDG PET/CT and a perfusion CT. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) was measured on conventional F-FDG PET/CT images.

Endoscopic and endobronchial ultrasound real-time fine-needle aspiration for staging of the mediastinum in lung cancer.

Mediastinal lymph node metastases in patients with non-small cell lung cancer are a critical determinant of operability. Mediastinoscopy is invasive, requires general anesthesia, and carries appreciable morbidity. The development of minimally invasive techniques for the pathologic staging of lung cancer is important.