Clinical applications of 18F fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography- computed tomography (PET/CT)

Positron emission computed tomography (PET) is a functional diagnostic imaging modality. Coupled with computed tomography (CT), it has a high accuracy, adding morphological informations. F-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG), an analogue of glucose, is the most commonly used radiotracer. Its uptake reflects glucose metabolism in the cells which is increased several times in malignant tumors. However FDG is not a cancer specific agent and its uptake has been described in a number of non-neoplastic inflammatory lesions. The aim of our paper is to summarize its major indications in the clinical practice.