• Damian Wild, Gerold K Eyrich, Ilja F Ciernik, Sandro J Stoeckli, Bernhard Schuknecht, and Gerhard W Goerres.
• Division of Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital Zurich, Raemistr. 100, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
• J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2006 Jan 1; 34 (1): 9-16.

BackgroundContrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the standard imaging techniques to evaluate patients with carcinoma in the sinus/nasal area and orbit. The use of positron emission tomography (PET) with (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) in such patients is as yet less well established.PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess the clinical impact of PET co-registered with CT (PET/CT).PatientsEvaluation of 21 consecutive patients.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the whole body PET/CT studies was done. Images were assessed visually without knowing the results of the other imaging technique. Histology and clinical follow-up served to verify lesions. The clinical impact on therapy was assessed together with the physician in charge.ResultsAll patients underwent PET/CT and CT or MRI for staging (n=9 scans) and restaging (n=17 scans) without treatment between the examinations. PET/CT changed the treatment protocol in 2 patients at staging and in 7 at re-staging. Distant metastases were found in 5 and a secondary tumour in 1 patient.ConclusionsWhole body PET/CT adds clinically important information to CT or MRI, thus, influencing treatment.

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