Comparison of [(18)F]FDG PET and (201)Tl SPECT in evaluation of pulmonary nodules.

Abstract

No significant difference was found between FDG PET and (201)Tl SPECT in specificity for the differentiation of malignant and benign pulmonary nodules. The degree of differentiation of lung adenocarcinoma correlated with FDG uptake but not with (201)Tl uptake. Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (a well-differentiated, slow-growing tumor) findings typically were positive with (201)Tl but were negative with FDG. The combination of FDG PET and (201)Tl SPECT may provide additional information regarding the tissue characterization of pulmonary nodules.