18F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of POEMS syndrome

Eur J Radiol. 2010 Nov;76(2):180-2. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2009.06.004. Epub 2009 Jul 5.

Abstract

In POEMS syndrome the identification and biopsy of an osteosclerotic lesion or a lymph node typical of Castleman's disease (CD) is essential to establish the diagnosis and plan appropriate treatment. We report four patients in whom the localisation and identification of diagnostic bone lesions or lymphadenopathies were guided by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography integrated with computerised tomography (FDG PET/CT). FDG PET/CT identified bone lesions not detected with other techniques in one patient, and revealed hypermetabolic characteristics in bone lesions or adenopathies in the others, thus guiding the diagnostic biopsy in those with hypermetabolism. In conclusion, FDG PET/CT may be useful in detecting and selecting bone lesions and lymph nodes for biopsy in patients with suspected POEMS syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • POEMS Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Paraneoplastic Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Subtraction Technique*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Whole Body Imaging / methods

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18