Clinical value of F -18 Fag dual-head gamma camera coincidence imaging in patients with high-risk melanoma

Tumour detection based on the uptake of F-18 FDG has been successfully used in the diagnosis of melanoma. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical value of dual-head gamma-camera coincidence PET imaging in patients with high-risk melanoma sent to the Institute of Nuclear Medicine at the General Hospital Linz between 19982002. The cohort included 33 persons (12 women), mean age was 54+ 17 yrs. Median time since first surgery confirming the diagnosis was 24 months (quartiles 2; 54) and after last extirpation of malignant tissue had passed 2 months (quartiles 1; 12). Assessment of diagnostic findings was confirmed by either histological verification or sequel control examination. Calculated on a patient basis, prevalence was 45%. Coincidence PET data was compared to the cumulative information provided by conventional radiological imaging (CT, ultrasound, X-ray) and presented superior values in sensitivity (80% vs. 73%), specificity (89% vs. 56%), positive predictive value (86% vs. 58%) and negative predictive value (84% vs. 71%).It was concluded that under conditions of limited availability of dedicated PET camera systems, the use of coincidence PET systems in patients with high risk melanoma can be recommended as it provides valuable information for clinical practice. (author)