Normal Variants and Benign Findings in PET Scan

Abstract

Normal uptake of FDG occurs in many sites of the body and may cause confusion in interpretation particularly in oncology imaging. Clinical correlation, awareness of the areas of normal uptake of FDG in the body and knowledge of variation in uptake as well as benign processes that are FDG avid are necessary to avoid potential pitfalls in image interpretation. Clinical correlation, awareness of the areas of normal uptake of FDG in the body and knowledge of variation in uptake as well as benign processes that are FDG avid are necessary to avoid potential pitfalls in image interpretation. Brown fat uptake is also a confusing issue that should be considered for image interpretation. PET CT imaging has the ability to correctly attribute FDG activity to a structurally normal organ on CT. The discussion in this session will focus on the range of normal sites of FDG uptake in brain, spinal cord, heart, head and neck, chest, abdominopelvic, bone and bone marrow.