An analysis of true- and false-positive results of vocal fold uptake in positron emission tomography-computed tomography imaging. Issue 3 (18th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seymour, N; Burkill, G; Harries, M
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 132:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 270
• Page End: 274
• Publication Date: 2017-12-18
• Subjects: Vocal Cords, -- Laryngeal Cancer, -- PET-CT, -- Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S002221511700247X
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxy-D-glucose has a major role in the investigation of head and neck cancers. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxy-D-glucose is not a tumour-specific tracer and can also accumulate in benign pathology. Therefore, positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan interpretation difficulties are common in the head and neck, which can produce false-positive results. This study aimed to investigate patients detected as having abnormal vocal fold uptake on fluorine-18 fluorodeoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography. Methods: Positron emission tomography-computed tomography scans were identified over a 15-month period where reports contained evidence of unilateral vocal fold uptake or vocal fold pathology. Patients' notes and laryngoscopy results were analysed. Results: Forty-six patients were identified as having abnormal vocal fold uptake on positron emission tomography-computed tomography. Twenty-three patients underwent positron emission tomography-computed tomography and flexible laryngoscopy: 61 per cent of patients had true-positive positron emission tomography-computed tomography scans and 39 per cent had false-positive scan results. Conclusion: Most patients referred to ENT for abnormal findings on positron emission tomography-computed tomography scans had true-positive findings. Asymmetrical fluorine-18 fluorodeoxy-D-glucose uptake should raise suspicion of vocal fold pathology, accepting a false-positive rate of approximately 40 per cent.