What Does FDG Uptake In A Blood Vessel On Pet Scan Indicate?

Brief Answer: It indicates inflammatory changes in blood vessel Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing to HCM FDG uptake in blood vessels indicates inflammatory changes. It may be due to atherosclerotic changes,vasculitis due to many causes like autoimmune diseases etc. FDG accumulates in the activated inflammatory cells due to overexpression of glucose transporters and activation of glycolytic enzymes. In atherosclerotic blood vessel changes,hybrid imaging method of PET/CT is useful for the localization of vulnerable plaques based on the uptake of FDG. In vasculitis there is infiltration of WBC within the vessel wall and it causes damage to the walls,this causes uptake of FDG. FDG uptake in blood vessels gives information about the extent of disease and its functional impairment. It is very helpful in early diagnosis of disease and its management. So, it is important to know proper clinical history of the patient. Hope i have answered your query. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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Brief Answer: PET is more sensitive than WBC scan. Detailed Answer: Hello XXXX Thanks for writing back PET is more sensitive than WBC scan for detecting metastatic lesions.PET/CT is 3-D technique and it is highly sensitive. PET uptake in blood vessels occurs in many conditions like atherosclerosis,vasculitis,metastatic reactions etc. The most common site for metastatic spread of colon cancer is the liver.Other sites are the lungs, brain and bone.So,it is important to see for other sites of uptake and clinical correlation. Hope i have answered your query. Further queries are most welcome. Take Care Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

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