The Role of ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in Suspected Intraocular Sarcoidosis and Tuberculosis

ABSTRACT

Purpose: To determine the utility of fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography (FDG PET/CT) in patients with suspected ocular sarcoidosis (OS) or intraocular tuberculosis (IOTB) in a resource-constrained, TB endemic area.

Methods: Independent review of the FDG PET/CTs, Computed Tomography (CT) scans and chest radiographs (CXRs) of patients with suspected OS or IOTB and inconclusive conventional workup.

Results: Twenty-nine PET/CTs and CXRs were reviewed, with 38% of PET/CTs and CTs demonstrating evidence of TB or sarcoidosis, compared to 21% of CXRs. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for PET/CT and CT were similar - 85.7%, 95.5%, 85.7% and 95.5% for OS, and 33.3%, 100%, 100% and 68% for IOTB respectively and for CXR, 57.1%, 100%, 100% and 88% for OS, and 16.7%, 100%, 100% and 63% for IOTB.

Conclusion: PET/CT added no significant additional benefit over Chest CT in patients with suspected OS or IOTB.

KEYWORDS:

• Uveitis
• tuberculosis
• sarcoidosis
• PET/CT
• imaging

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Data availability

All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information.