Physiologic 18F-FDG uptake in the fallopian tubes at mid cycle on PET/CT

Area of Science:

• Nuclear medicine
• Radiology
• Gynecology

Background:

• Bilateral pelvic foci of (18)F-FDG uptake (BiPF) is a novel finding exclusively observed in females.
• The clinical significance and anatomical localization of BiPF require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the frequency, anatomical localization, and clinical significance of BiPF in females.
• To investigate the correlation of BiPF with patient age and menstrual history.

Main Methods:

• (18)F-FDG PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT scans were performed on 159 females aged 16-81 years.
• Evaluation of BiPF presence and location, correlated with age and menstrual history.

Main Results:

• BiPF were identified in 14 (22%) of 63 patients up to 53 years old.
• Uptake was predominantly observed at mid-menstrual cycle and localized to the fallopian tubes.
• No BiPF were observed in 96 patients older than 53 years.

Conclusions:

• Fallopian tube (18)F-FDG uptake is primarily seen in premenopausal women during the mid-menstrual cycle.
• This finding aligns with cyclic changes in fallopian tubes influenced by ovarian hormones.
• This may represent the first imaging evidence of estrogen's influence on the fallopian tubes.