18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission/Computed Tomography (FDG PET/CT) is a non-invasive whole-body imaging modality that has the potential for replacing multiple cancer screening tests by one. Previous studies showed that FDG PET/CT has an excellent sensitivity and negative predictive value for occult cancer screening in patients with unprovoked venous thromboembolism (VTE). In this patient population, FDG PET/CT is a reproducible imaging procedure with a kappa value estimated at 0.75. Although false positive results may lead to unnecessary investigations, it seems from recent evidence that invasive procedures triggered by a positive scan often resulted in cancer diagnosis. Trials assessing use of FDG PET/CT for occult cancer screening in patients with VTE at high risk for occult cancer diagnosis are ongoing.
Keywords: Occult cancer; PET CT; Venous thrombosis.
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