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Updated: May 9, 2026

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Published on: April 12, 2024
Positron emission tomography in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Poul Henning Madsen1, Søren Hess, Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen
1Sygehus Lillebælt, Medicinsk Afdeling Dronningensgade 97, Denmark. phmadsen@dadlnet.dk
Positron emission tomography with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG-PET) shows promise in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This technique may aid in diagnosis, inflammation assessment, and prognosis for COPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pulmonology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents diagnostic and management challenges.
- Current diagnostic tools may not fully capture disease complexity or inflammatory status.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on the application of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET) in COPD management.
- To assess the potential utility of (18)F-FDG-PET in various aspects of COPD care.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library.
- Inclusion of studies using MESH terms related to COPD and positron emission tomography.
- Systematic review and synthesis of findings from identified relevant reports.
Main Results:
- Seven relevant reports were identified from an initial search.
- (18)F-FDG-PET may differentiate COPD from other conditions like chronic asthma and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
- Potential applications include measuring inflammation, quantifying respiratory muscle activity, and diagnosing cor pulmonale.
Conclusions:
- The existing literature suggests (18)F-FDG-PET holds promise for COPD diagnosis and management.
- Further research is warranted to fully establish the role of (18)F-FDG-PET in clinical practice for COPD.
- This imaging modality could offer new insights into disease mechanisms and patient stratification.
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