How we read FCH-PET/CT for prostate cancer

Cancer Imaging. 2016 Dec 6;16(1):41. doi: 10.1186/s40644-016-0101-5.

Abstract

Over the last decade, 18F-fluorocholine positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FCH-PET/CT) has gained in popularity for the staging and restaging of patients with prostate cancer (PCa). However, despite abundant literature on the topic, there is a lack of publications on how to actually interpret FCH-PET/CT in a clinical setting. Here we propose a practical, TNM-oriented approach to read FCH-PET/CT, with notes on procedure technique, image display, review sequence and report structure. The purpose of this article is to provide guidance to radiologists, nuclear medicine physicians and residents who are new to FCH-PET/CT, as well as to propose an alternate approach to more experienced physicians.

Keywords: 18F-fluorocholine; FCH; Interpretation; PET/CT; Prostate cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Choline / analogs & derivatives
  • Choline / pharmacokinetics
  • Fluorine Radioisotopes
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography / methods*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Fluorine Radioisotopes
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • fluorocholine
  • Choline