Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate accuracy and interobserver variability in the assessment of 2-deoxy-2[F-
18]fluoro-D-glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for detection of recurrent
laryngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy.
Procedures: Eleven experienced nuclear physicians from eight centres assessed 30 FDG-PET
scans on the appearance of local recurrence (negative/equivocal/positive). Conservative
(equivocal analysed as negative) and sensitive (equivocal analysed as positive) assessment
strategies were compared to the reference standard (recurrence within 6months after PET).
Results: Seven patients had proven recurrences. For the conservative and sensitive strategy,
the mean sensitivity was 87% and 97%, specificity 81% and 63%, positive predictive values
61% and 46% and negative predictive values 96% and 99%, respectively. Interobserver
variability showed a reasonable relation in comparison to the reference standard (kappa = 0.55).
Conclusions: FDG-PET has acceptable interobserver agreement and yields good negative
predictive value for detection of recurrent laryngeal carcinoma. It could therefore be used as first
diagnostic step and may reduce futile invasive diagnostics.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 294-303 |
Journal | Molecular Imaging and Biology |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |