FDG PET/CT in pediatric Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract

The increased glucose metabolism results increased 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) accumulation of the malignant cells. Similarly, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) show high FDG uptake. Lymphocyte-predominant types of HL demonstrate lower FDG accumulation than classic type HL. PET/CT can detect almost all lesion greater than 0.5-1 cm. Additionally, FDG PET/CT help us in monitoring treatment response by showing glucose metabolism and FDG uptake of the cells after chemotherapy. The sensitivity of FDG PET/CT is higher than other imaging modalities in detecting nodular or diffuse lesions of HL. Also, it has higher sensitivity in showing bone marrow involvement than bone marrow biopsy. As a result, FDG PET/CT is a widely accepted and superior imaging modality in staging, re-staging and evaluating treatment response of pediatric HL.