Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
![PET/CT With [68Ga]-NOTA-FAP-2286 for Imaging of Tendon Injuries in Rat Achilles Tendon Injury Models](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F67717.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
PET/CT With [68Ga]-NOTA-FAP-2286 for Imaging of Tendon Injuries in Rat Achilles Tendon Injury Models
Published on: June 6, 2025
(18)F-FDG PET/MRI evaluation of retroperitoneal fibrosis: a simultaneous multiparametric approach for diagnosing
Verena Ruhlmann1, Thorsten Dirk Poeppel2, Alexander Sascha Brandt3
1Department of Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany. verena.ruhlmann@uk-essen.de.
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to evaluate integrated (18)F-FDG PET/MRI as a one-stop diagnostic procedure in the assessment of (active) idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) METHODS: A total of 22 examinations comprising a PET/CT scan followed by a PET/MRI scan in 17 patients (13 men, 4 women, age 58 ± 11 years) with histopathologically confirmed RPF at diagnosis or during follow-up under steroid therapy were analysed in correlation with laboratory inflammation markers (ESR, CRP). The patient cohort was subdivided into two groups: 6 examinations in untreated and 16 in treated patients. Tissue formations in typically periaortic localization suggestive of RPF were visually and quantitatively evaluated. The PET analysis included the assessment of SUVmax and a qualitative score for FDG uptake in RPF tissue in relation to the uptake in the liver. MRI analysis included evaluation of the T2-weighted image signal intensity, contrast enhancement and diffusion restriction (ADC values). Mean values were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. ADC, SUVmax and ESR values were correlated using Pearson's correlation.
Results:
MRI analysis revealed restricted diffusion in 100 % and 56 %, hyperintense T2 signal in 100 % and 31 %, and contrast enhancement in the periaortic tissue formation suggestive of RPF in 100 % and 62.5 % in the untreated and treated patients, respectively. In the qualitative and quantitative PET analysis, statistically significant differences were found for mean FDG uptake scores (2.5 ± 0.8 in untreated patients and 1.1 ± 0.9 in treated patients) and mean SUVmax (7.8 ± 3.5 and 4.1 ± 2.2, respectively). A strong correlation was found between the ADC values and SUVmax (Pearson r -0.65, P = 0.0019), and between ESR and CRP values and SUVmax (both r = 0.45, P = 0.061).
Conclusion:
Integrated (18)F-FDG PET/MRI shows high diagnostic potential as a one-stop diagnostic procedure for the assessment of (active) RPF providing multiparametric supportive information.
Insights
Integrated (18)F-FDG PET/MRI offers a comprehensive diagnostic approach for retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF). This one-stop procedure provides valuable multiparametric data for assessing RPF activity.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare condition characterized by inflammatory tissue formation.
- Accurate assessment of RPF activity is crucial for effective treatment, particularly with steroid therapy.
- Current diagnostic methods may require multiple imaging modalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of integrated (18)F-FDG PET/MRI as a single diagnostic procedure for assessing active idiopathic RPF.
- To compare imaging findings between untreated and treated RPF patients.
- To correlate imaging parameters with laboratory markers of inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen patients with histopathologically confirmed RPF underwent both PET/CT and PET/MRI scans.
- Patients were categorized into untreated (6) and treated (16) groups.
- Analysis included visual and quantitative PET (SUVmax, qualitative score) and MRI (T2 signal, contrast enhancement, ADC values) parameters, correlated with ESR and CRP levels.
Main Results:
- MRI demonstrated restricted diffusion and contrast enhancement in untreated RPF patients more frequently than in treated patients.
- PET/MRI showed significantly higher FDG uptake (SUVmax and qualitative score) in untreated RPF compared to treated RPF.
- Strong correlations were observed between ADC values and SUVmax, as well as between ESR/CRP and SUVmax.
Conclusions:
- Integrated (18)F-FDG PET/MRI serves as a powerful diagnostic tool for evaluating RPF.
- The technique provides multiparametric information, aiding in the assessment of RPF activity.
- PET/MRI can be considered a valuable "one-stop" diagnostic procedure for RPF management.
More Related Videos
10:04Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
17:13Non-invasive Imaging of Acute Allograft Rejection after Rat Renal Transplantation Using 18F-FDG PET
Published on: April 28, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:29Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body...
01:25Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...