The influence of FDG PET-CT on the detection of extrahepatic disease in patients being considered for resection of colorectal liver metastasis

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of flurodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography (FDG PET-CT), as an adjunct to conventional CT staging, in the detection of extrahepatic disease in patients with potentially resectable colorectal liver metastasis. MethodsOverall, 133 consecutive patients with colorectal liver metastases staged with CT and PET-CT referred to the East Lancashire regional hepatobiliary multidisciplinary team over a two-year period were included in this study. Abnormal findings on PET-CT were correlated with follow-up imaging and/or histology. All imaging was reviewed by specialist hepatobiliary radiologists for the presence/absence of extrahepatic disease. The influence of the PET-CT findings was categorised for each patient in relation to operability and other significant findings. ResultsPET-CT had a major impact on staging of extra hepatic disease in 20% of patients, in comparison with the initial CT. Six per cent of patients were upstag...