Nuclear medicine communications
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To predict the postoperative pulmonary function using ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy and explore its feasibility in evaluating surgical risk for lung cancer patients with borderline pulmonary functions [forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁)<2.0 l for pneumonectomy or <1.5 l for lobectomy]. ⋯ Ventilation-perfusion scans can predict postoperative pulmonary function and help evaluate the risk of surgery for lung cancer patients with borderline pulmonary functions.
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The increase in tumor markers with negative or equivocal conventional imaging modalities represents a serious dilemma in the follow-up of previously treated cancer patients. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has emerged as a useful tool in oncological imaging in staging and restaging of most cancers. ⋯ ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is a powerful diagnostic tool in restaging of cancer patients. In most cases, PET/CT provides accurate results and helps resolve the clinical dilemma encountered in oncological patients with increasing serum tumor markers and negative or equivocal findings in conventional imaging modalities.