Differentiation of clinically non-functioning pituitary adenomas from meningiomas and craniopharyngiomas by positron emission tomography with [18F]fluoro-ethyl-spiperone

摘要: The differential diagnosis among various types of non-functioning sellar and parasellar tumours is sometimes difficult using currently available methods morphological imaging. aim this study was to define whether assessment the uptake [18F]fluoro-ethyl-spiperone (FESP) with positron emission tomography (PET) could be helpful for pituitary adenomas other lesions, establishing appropriate therapeutic approach. population examined comprised 16 patients primary tumour sellar/parasellar region who were waiting undergo surgical treatment. results demonstrated that PET [18F]FESP a very specific method differentiating from craniopharyngiomas meningiomas. visual interpretation images allows such differentiation at approximately 70 min after tracer injection. Semiquantitative analysis dynamic data confirmed interpretation, demonstrating consistently (i.e. throughout series) least two- threefold higher in than as early injection, it increased still further thereafter. It concluded might clinical value those cases which histological uncertain conventional methods.