2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography in rheumatological diseases
Manil Subesinghe, Shaheel Bhuva, Nikita Arumalla, Andrew P. Cope, David D’Cruz, Sujith Subesinghe
Abstract
2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) PET-CT has revolutionized oncological imaging. The cellular processes that make cancer cells visible on FDG PET-CT also occur in a number of inflammatory cells. Exploiting this phenomenon has led to a growth of evidence supporting the use of FDG PET-CT in a wide range of infective and inflammatory diseases. Rheumatological diseases can affect multiple sites within the musculoskeletal system alongside multi-organ extra-articular disease manifestations. Inflammation is central to these diseases, making FDG PET-CT a logical choice. In this review article we describe the various applications of FDG PET-CT in rheumatological diseases using illustrative examples to highlight the beneficial role of FDG PET-CT in each case.