18F-FDG PET/CT and Contrast-Enhanced CT of Primary Malignant Tracheal Tumor

Primary malignant tracheal tumors are rare, and their clinical presentation often resembles other diseases of the respiratory system. This study summarized F-FDG PET/CT and CE-CT findings on histologically confirmed primary malignant tracheal tumors in 13 patients.

We retrospectively reviewed the F-FDG PET/CT and CE-CT findings of 13 patients with histologically confirmed primary tumors who had undergone PET/CT and CE-CT in the same session. The following parameters were recorded: SUVmax; SUVmax lesion/background; location, size and attenuation of the mass; mediastinal invasion; and the presence of metastases. Clinical data, bronchial endoscopy results, and surgical and histopathological findings were also collected.

Tracheal soft tissue lesions with increased F-FDG uptake were observed in all patients. Five squamous cell carcinomas, 5 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 2 adenocarcinomas, and 1 mucosa-associated lymphoid tumor were histopathologically observed. The maximum SUV of the malignant tracheal tumors ranged from 2.7 to 20.5 (mean ± SD, 6.8 ± 4.8; median, 5.7). All SUVmax lesion values were greater than 2.5. Homogeneous enhancement was observed in all lesions, with three exhibiting evident enhancement, nine demonstrating moderate enhancement, and one showing mild enhancement.

The presence of a tracheal soft tissue mass with increased F-FDG uptake is highly suggestive of a malignant tracheal tumor. F-FDG PET/CT and CE-CT can clearly demonstrate such a tumor's function and anatomical characteristics.