Brain F-18 Fluorocholine PET/CT for the Assessment of Optic Pathway Glioma in Neurofibromatosis-1

Abstract

A 22-year-old man diagnosed with neurofibromatosis-I was admitted to the neurology department because of progressive hemianopsia and chronic headache. Magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and F-18 fluorocholine revealed a splenial mass with imaging features compatible with malignant astrocytoma. At follow-up examination, the sharp decrease in F-18 fluorocholine uptake and in choline/creatine ratio supported a conservative management. Molecular imaging of optic pathway gliomas may be a valuable tool in the selection of therapeutic options.