Talc Pleurodesis Mimics Pleural Metastases: Differentiation with Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography

Nirit Weiss, Stephen B. Solomon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Talc pleurodesis is a technique used in the treatment of patients with persistent pleural effusions or pneumothorax not amenable to other treatment. These are commonly seen in patients with malignant thoracic neoplasms. Radiographic abnormalities resulting from prior talc pleurodesis could be confused with progression of the underlying neoplastic process. Positron emission tomography with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) might be unable to distinguish between malignant and benign inflammatory processes. This report demonstrates the use of combined positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in a patient with a history of both malignant neoplasm and a prior talc pleurodesis. Fusion of PET and CT studies could add information that CT and PET alone cannot. This could alter the diagnostic and therapeutic course for patients with a history of both thoracic neoplasm and talc pleurodesis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)811-814
Number of pages4
JournalClinical Nuclear Medicine
Volume28
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose
  • PET/CT fusion
  • Pleurodesis
  • Positron emission tomography
  • Talc

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Talc Pleurodesis Mimics Pleural Metastases: Differentiation with Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this