A Comparison Study of Esophageal Findings on 18F-FDG PET/CT and Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the esophageal findings of 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 18F-FDG PET/CT and EGD findings of 369 subjects who underwent medical examination between January 2014 and December 2014. The range and intensity of esophageal 18F-FDG uptake were visually analyzed. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of the esophagus and around the esophagogastric (EG) junction was measured. EGD results were provided by the gastroenterologist. We compared the esophageal findings obtained using 18F-FDG PET/CT and EGD. Results: There were typical linear FDG uptakes in 18F-FDG PET/CT patients who underwent EGD the same day. In visual analysis of the range and intensity of the 18F-FDG uptake, the patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and EGD on the same day showed relatively diffuse and discernible 18F-FDG uptake in the esophagus. Reflux esophagitis was diagnosed in 59 subjects, and 27 of these were classified as higher than Los Angeles classification A. With an increasing degree of reflux esophagitis observed on EGD, the SUVmax in the esophagus and around the EG junction was also increased. Conclusion: Our study showed that FDG uptake at the esophagus or the EG junction might be clinically significantly related to esophagitis. However, EGD performed before 18F-FDG PET/CT on the same day may affect the esophageal 18F-FDG uptake.