The effect of hepatic steatosis on 18F-FDG uptake in PET-CT examinations of cancer Egyptian patients

Abstract

Abstract Background Hepatic steatosis is the most common chronic hepatic disease. Imaging diagnosis of hepatic steatosis has been evaluated as an alternative to invasive histological diagnosis. Study aims The study aimed to assess the effect of hepatic steatosis on Flourine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptakes in cancer patients. Patients and Methods Blood samples were collected from 50 cancer patients and analyzed to calculate fatty liver index and Hepatic steatosis index (HIS). Hepatic steatosis examined using high-resolution ultrasound and positron emission tomography—computed tomography (PET-CT). Linear attenuation coefficient, standardized-uptake value (SUV) mean (SUV mean), and SUV maximum (SUVmax) were measured. Accordingly, patients were divided equally into non-fatty liver, and fatty liver groups. Results A significant increase in SUVmax and SUV mean was observed in the fatty liver group more than in the non-fatty liver group. HSI significantly increased in the fatty liver group compared to the non-fatty liver group. Liver tissue uptake FDG was significantly correlated with HSI values. SUV max significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI) in the non-fatty group only. Conclusion Hepatic changes in cancer patients affect the liver metabolic activity and thus the 18 F-FDG uptake. Therefore, further corrections should be considered when the liver is used as a comparator for PET-CT scans of cancer patients.