Prognostic value of metabolic imaging in non-small cell lung cancers with neoplasic pleural effusion.

Background: The intensity of the [F]fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) uptake is an independent prognostic indicator in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We evaluate the relationship between the metabolic activity of the primary and the pleurisy in T4 NSCLC.

Methods: 25 patients (16 males, nine females, mean age 63 years, performance status 1) with pathology-proven, T4 NSCLC and malignant pleurisy were included.

18F-FDG PET imaging in assessing exudative pleural effusions.

Background: This study evaluates the accuracy of [F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (F-FDG PET) imaging with semi-quantitative analysis for differentiating benign from malignant pleural exudates and for guiding the search for the primary tumour of pleural metastases.

Methods: Whole-body 18F-FDG PET was performed in 79 patients with exudative pleurisy. Standard uptake values were normalized for body weight, body surface area, lean body mass (SUVbw, SUVbsa, SUVlbm) with and without correction for blood glucose levels.