18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography in the management of adult multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

PURPOSE: The standard evaluation of multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) includes a clinical evaluation, laboratory tests and a skeleton/skull X-ray survey, with chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in the case of pulmonary involvement. Preliminary reports suggest that 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (18 F-FDG PET-CT) may be useful for evaluating patients with LCH.

METHODS: Fourteen consecutive adult patients with multisystem LCH were included in this retrospective study, and were evaluated using standard procedures and 18 F-FDG PET-CT. The two sets of findings were compared both at baseline and during follow-up. Serial HRCT and pulmonary function tests were used to evaluate outcome in patients with lung involvement.

RESULTS: At the baseline evaluation, PET-CT identified every LCH localization found with the standard evaluation (except a mild cecum infiltration). PET-CT showed additional lesions in seven patients, mostly involving bones, and differentiated inactive from active lesions. Thyroid 18 F-FDG uptake was identified in three cases. No pituitary stalk 18 F-FDG uptake was observed in patients with pituitary LCH. Only 3/12 (25 %) patients with pulmonary LCH displayed moderate pulmonary 18 F-FDG uptake. During follow-up, variations (≥50 % of maximum standardized uptake) in bone 18 F-FDG uptake intensity were correlated with disease state and response to treatment. The absence of lung 18 F-FDG uptake did not preclude lung function improvement after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Except for cases with pulmonary and pituitary involvement, 18 F-FDG PET-CT could replace the standard evaluation for staging of adult patients with multisystem LCH. Serial PET-CT scans are useful for evaluating treatment responses, particularly in cases with bone LCH involvement.