Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 19, 2025
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
False-Negative 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Haley Corbin1, Clifford D Packer1
1Internal Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, USA.
Diagnosing malignant pleural mesothelioma can be challenging, especially in older patients. Pleural biopsy is crucial for diagnosis, even if initial imaging like FDG PET/CT scans are negative.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but aggressive cancer.
- Diagnosis can be difficult, particularly in elderly patients.
- Initial investigations may not always be conclusive.
Observation:
- A 77-year-old male presented with shortness of breath and right hydropneumothorax.
- Initial pleural fluid cytology and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/CT were negative for malignancy.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopy with pleural and chest wall biopsies was performed.
Findings:
- Biopsies confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
- FDG PET/CT scans can yield false-negative results in early-stage MPM, especially in older individuals.
- Pleural biopsy is essential for definitive diagnosis.
Implications:
- Clinical suspicion for mesothelioma warrants biopsy, irrespective of initial imaging results.
- Diagnostic strategies for MPM in the elderly may need to be reconsidered.
- Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for timely mesothelioma treatment planning.
More Related Videos
10:28Gene Regulation and Targeted Therapy in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Radiological Findings from Dual Energy CT and PET/CT
Published on: January 22, 2018
06:51Utilizing 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging and Quantitative Histology to Measure Dynamic Changes in the Glucose Metabolism in Mouse Models of Lung Cancer
Published on: July 21, 2018
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...
01:13Radiological 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...