Abstract
Objective
Impaired renal function causes both increased and prolonged tracer availability in the blood-pool which might result in increased tracer accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate a possible correlation between the intensity of tracer uptake in atherosclerotic lesions and renal function.
Methods
Data from 50 [18F]-FDG scans were visually evaluated for tracer uptake in vessel wall alterations. Lesions were analyzed semiquantitatively by determining the blood-pool standardized uptake values (SUVblood-pools), maximum SUVs (SUVmaxs), and the target-to-background ratio (TBR). These parameters were tested for correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and cardiovascular risk factors.
Results
Both SUVblood-pools (r s = −0.32, p = 0.03) and SUVmaxs for [18F]-FDG (r s = −0.50, p < 0.0001) showed a significant negative correlation with eGFR. TBRs for [18F]-FDG demonstrated a significant positive correlation with eGFRs (r s = 0.21, p = 0.02).
Conclusion
This study found that both intravascular tracer availability (SUVblood-pool) and intralesional tracer uptake (SUVmax) are influenced by renal function. Calculation of TBR to account for that effect may result in overcorrection in case of [18F]-FDG. Renal insufficiency or subclinical changes in renal function have to be considered as a confounding factor in PET of atherosclerotic lesions.
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Derlin, T., Habermann, C.R., Hahne, J.D. et al. Quantification of [18F]-FDG uptake in atherosclerotic plaque: impact of renal function. Ann Nucl Med 25, 586–591 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12149-011-0503-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12149-011-0503-1