What is the utility of FDG PET to characterize indeterminate lung nodules?
Although chest CT is currently the mainstay for detecting lung nodules, lung nodules are often unable to be accurately characterized on CT alone as benign or malignant because structural imaging features are often nonspecific. FDG PET is useful to improve the characterization of lung nodules, where it is assumed that malignant nodules exhibit increased FDG uptake due to increased glucose uptake and metabolism ( Figure 76-3 ). In particular, FDG PET/CT is currently recommended when a solid indeterminate lung nodule >8 to 10 mm in diameter is present in the setting of a low-moderate pretest probability of malignancy or when a persistent part-solid indeterminate nodule >8 to 10 mm in diameter is present.
