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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence, location and appearance of the non tumoural F¹⁸ FDG focal uptakes (potential pitfalls) and various artifacts in pediatric patients undergoing PET / CT scans for various indications. The study was carried out on 253 pediatric patients of both genders and various indications, primarily for staging of various primary malignancies. All PET / CT scans were obtained at the CCHE over the past 2 years and were prospectively reviewed. Detailed clinical history was obtained followed by scanning using the standardized protocol for the hospital. Out of the 253 scans, physiological uptake was encountered in 714 sites patients representing 72.9%, technical artifacts in 174 (17.7%), therapy related artifacts in 58 sites (5.9%) and benign related artifacts in 34 sites (3.5%), %. All of these may be potential pitfalls for misinterpretation. The prevalence of pitfalls and artifacts in pediatric PET / CT scans are somewhat high, being mainly attributed to various physiological and benign uptakes followed by misregistration, mainly due to failure of patients of such age group to hold their breath (respiratory motion). It is vitally important to know the incidence of such pitfalls and artifacts in order to avoid misinterpretation of scans and result in better treatment and follow up of patients. Therefore, correlation with patient clinical history is crucial alongside an experienced nuclear medicine physician. The CT in the hybrid PET / CT also provides vital information as localization and accuracy and therefore its role must be highlighted and emphasized upon