FDG-PET/CT in colorectal cancer: potential for vascular-metabolic imaging to provide markers of prognosis.

Purpose: This study assesses the potential for vascular-metabolic imaging with FluoroDeoxyGlucose (FDG)-Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) perfusion to provide markers of prognosis specific to the site and stage of colorectal cancer.

Methods: This prospective observational study comprised of participants with suspected colorectal cancer categorized as either (a) non-metastatic colon cancer (M0colon), (b) non-metastatic rectal cancer (M0rectum), or (c) metastatic colorectal cancer (M+). Combined FDG-PET/CT perfusion imaging was successfully performed in 286 participants (184 males, 102 females, age: 69.

Clinical need-directed blood tests: a step in saving the NHS?

Background: Unnecessary blood tests are estimated to contribute to 25% of wastage in the National Health Service. The aim of this study was to assess the financial implication of clinical need-focused blood tests guided by a senior clinician in a district general hospital.

Methods: We conducted an observational longitudinal study over six months with pre- and postanalysis of a vetting intervention.

Caecal amoebic colitis mimicking a colorectal cancer.

Intestinal Entamoeba Histolytica infection in the UK is rare but it can lead to colitis, abscess formation, colonic perforation and rarely amoeboma. Although most patients are asymptomatic, it can present with a wide range of gastrointestinal symptoms depending on the phase of the infection. We present a case of amoebic colitis that caused diagnostic uncertainty by mimicking a colonic carcinoma.