Positron emission tomography/computed tomography with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose identifies tumor growth or thrombosis in the portal vein with hepatocellular carcinoma

World J Gastroenterol. 2007 Sep 7;13(33):4529-32. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i33.4529.

Abstract

Patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with tumor thrombus in the portal vein generally have a poor prognosis. Portal vein tumor thrombus must be distinguished from portal vein blood thrombus, and this identification plays a very important role in management of HCC. Conventional imaging modalities have limitations in discrimination of portal vein tumor thrombus. The application of positron emission tomography (PET) with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)F-FDG) for discrimination between tumor extension and blood thrombus has been reported in few cases of HCC, while portal tumor thrombosis and portal vein clot identified by (18)F-FDG PET/CT in HCC patients has not been reported so far. We present two HCC cases, one with portal vein tumor thrombus and one thrombosis who were identified with (18)F-FDG PET/CT. This report illustrates the complimentary value of combining the morphological and functional imaging in achieving a correct diagnosis in such clinical situations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / pathology*
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplastic Cells, Circulating*
  • Portal Vein* / diagnostic imaging
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / metabolism
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnosis*
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Venous Thrombosis / etiology

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18