FDG-PET lacks sufficient sensitivity to detect myxoid liposarcoma spinal metastases detected by MRI Journal Article


Authors: Schwab, J. H.; Healey, J. H.
Article Title: FDG-PET lacks sufficient sensitivity to detect myxoid liposarcoma spinal metastases detected by MRI
Abstract: Purpose. To document a case of myxoid liposarcoma in which PET scan was less sensitive than MRI in detecting spinal metastasis. Materials and Methods. The case of a 65-year-old female with a history of myxoid liposarcoma (MLS) of the thigh resected 5 years previously and now presenting with low back pain is presented. Her medical oncologist ordered an FDG-PET scan to evaluate distant recurrence. Subsequently, an MRI of her spine was obtained by her surgeon. Results. The FDG-PET scan was obtained 1 week prior to the MRI, and it did not show increased glucose uptake in the spine. Her MRI did show increased signal intensity in her lumbar spine. CT needle biopsy confirmed the lesion to be metastatic MLS. Conclusion. FDG-PET scans are utilized to detect distant recurrence of cancerous lesions. Myxoid liposarcoma has a unique propensity to metastasize to the spine. Previous reports have documented the unreliability of bone scintigraphy to diagnose these metastases. Our report demonstrates that FDG-PET may also lack the sensitivity needed to detect these lesions. We advocate total spine MRI when screening for metastases in this population when they present with back pain. Copyright © 2007 J. H. Schwab and J. H. Healey.
Keywords: aged; case report; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; positron emission tomography; computer assisted tomography; needle biopsy; fluorodeoxyglucose; spinal cord metastasis; myxosarcoma
Journal Title: Sarcoma
Volume: 2007
ISSN: 1357-714X
Publisher: Hindawi Publishing Corporation  
Date Published: 2007-01-01
Start Page: 36785
Language: English
DOI: 10.1155/2007/36785
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC1906871
PUBMED: 17641744
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 1" - "Export Date: 17 November 2011" - "CODEN: SARCF" - "Source: Scopus" - "Article No. 36785"
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  1. Joseph H Schwab
    13 Schwab
  2. John H Healey
    550 Healey