Paediatric oncology: role of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerized tomography

Abstract

This review deals with the usefulness of combined 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computerized tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging for the diagnosis and follow-up of extracranial paediatric tumours. After a discussion of the pathophysiologic biodistribution of 18F-FDG, the main indications for 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in paediatric malignancies are outlined. Moreover, the normal variants of physiologic biodistribution of 18F-FDG and its potential related pitfalls are pointed out.