Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026

Functional Imaging of Brown Fat in Mice with 18F-FDG micro-PET/CT
Published on: November 23, 2012
Preoperative 18F-FDG PET/CT in Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas Allows for Precision Surgery
Pavel Nockel1, Mustapha El Lakis1, Apostolos Gaitanidis1
1Endocrine Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD.
Background:
Fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging is recommended in patients with metastatic pheochromocytoma (PC) and paraganglioma (PGL). There are no data on whether routine preoperative F-FDG PET/CT in all patients with PC/PGL impacts surgical management.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine whether routine preoperative F-FDG PET/CT imaging affects the surgical management of patients with PC/PGLs.
Methods:
We analyzed clinical, biochemical, genetic, and anatomic imaging data in 93 consecutive patients with PC/PGL who collectively underwent a total of 100 operations and who had preoperative F-FDG PET/CT imaging.
Results:
Of 100 operations, preoperative F-FDG PET/CT showed additional lesions compared to anatomic imaging in 15 cases. These patients were more likely to undergo an open surgical approach (P < 0.05). Presence of genetic mutation, redo operations, sex, age, or tumor size had no significant association with finding additional lesions on F-FDG PET/CT.
Conclusions:
Additional lesions detected on preoperative F-FDG-PET/CT imaging have an impact on the surgical approach in patients with PC/PGLs. Therefore, surgeons should routinely obtain F-FDG-PET/CT imaging in patients with PC/PGL to allow for a more precise surgical intervention.
Related Concept Videos
Uncertainty in Measurement: Accuracy and Precision
Accuracy and Precision
Radiological Investigation I: X-ray and CT
Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...
The Precise Definition of a Limit
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT

