11 C-methionine PET for differential diagnosis of low-grade gliomas

• DOI: 10.1212/wnl.50.5.1316
• Publication Date: 2012-05-13T13:33:32Z
• Authors: K. Herholz; T. Hölzer; B. Bauer; R. Schröder; J. Voges; R. I. Ernestus; G. Mendoza; G. Weber-Luxenburger; J. Löttgen; A. Thiel; K. Wienhard; W. D. Heiss
• Keywords: Contrast Enhancement

Management of low-grade gliomas continues to be a challenging task, because CT and MRI do not always differentiate from nontumoral lesions. Furthermore, tumor extent aggressiveness often remain unclear lack contrast enhancement. Previous studies indicated that large neutral amino acid tracers accumulate in most brain tumors, including gliomas, probably changes endothelial blood-brain barrier function. We describe ¹¹C-methionine uptake measured with PET series 196 consecutive patients, whom were studied suspected gliomas. Uptake the active lesion area, relative contralateral side, was significantly different among high-grade chronic or subacute lesions, this difference independent enhancement MRI. Corticosteroids had no significant effect on methionine but reduced moderately Differentiation between lesions by simple threshold correct 79%. Recurrent residual tumors higher than primary In conclusion, high sensitivity for functional suggests tracer is particularly useful evaluation follow-up