Comparison of PET/CT with other imaging modalities in women with genital tuberculosis

ObjectiveTo compare findings with 2-deoxy-2-(18F)fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) with findings obtained using ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and CT in patients with proven tubercular tubo-ovarian masses.MethodsSeventeen patients with proven tubercular tubo-ovarian masses underwent 18F-FDG-PET/CT imaging and the findings were compared with US (for all patients), MRI (for 9 patients), CT (for 4 patients), and laparotomy or laparoscopic findings (for 14 patients).ResultsEleven patients (64.7%) had unilateral tubo-ovarian masses, with activity in 6 masses (35.3%); 4 patients (23.5%) had bilateral tubo-ovarian masses, with activity in all masses; and 2 patients (11.76%) had unilateral space-occupying lesions, with activity in 1 lesion. The detection rates of tubo-ovarian masses with 18F-FDG-PET/CT were similar to, but the characterization of adnexal masses was less than, those obtained with CT or MRI. Finally, 18F-FDG-PET/CT was equally accurate as laparoscopy or laparotomy in detecting the presence, laterality, and activity of tubo-ovarian masses.ConclusionImaging with 18F-FDG-PET/CT is noninvasive and appears to be clinically useful for the diagnosis of tubercular tubo-ovarian masses.