Applications Value of ~(18)FDG-PET in Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer

To evaluate the value of ~(18)FDG-PET in the diagnosis and management of patients with gastric carcinoma, 33 patients with potentially gastric carcinoma by endo and 19 patients operated are included. A whole-body FDG-PET is acquired and is evaluated for increased focal uptake. Accuracy is determined by comparing PET with surgical staging. The primary tumour is visualized in 97%(32/33) with PET. Distant metastases are found in six patients(100% 6/6), the sensitivity is 55%(6/11), and the specificity is 100% for local-regional lymph nodes. 22% patients are impacted on the treatment planning. There are 7 PET negative (at least 2 years of 5 patients follow-up) in the 19 patients operated.12 patients have generalized single and/or multiple metastases, 4 clavicle lymph metastasis, 2 lung metastasis, 3 liver metastasis, 6 abdominal lymph metastasis, 3 local recurrence and 6 bone metastasis. ~(18)FDG-PET may be suggest for using in the diagnosis and staging of gastric carcinoma and following-up patients with recurrent gastric carcinoma.