A Comparison Study of Esophageal Findings on 18 F-FDG PET/CT and Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the esophageal findings of 2-deoxy-2-[ 18 F]fluoro- d -glucose positron emission tomography–computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Methods We retrospectively reviewed 18 F-FDG PET/CT and EGD findings of 369 subjects who underwent medical examination between January 2014 and December 2014. The range and intensity of esophageal 18 F-FDG uptake were visually analyzed. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max ) of the esophagus and around the esophagogastric (EG) junction was measured. EGD results were provided by the gastroenterologist. We compared the esophageal findings obtained using 18 F-FDG PET/CT and EGD. Results There were typical linear FDG uptakes in 18 F-FDG PET/CT patients who underwent EGD the same day. In visual analysis of the range and intensity of the 18 F-FDG uptake, the patients who underwent 18 F-FDG PET/CT and EGD on the same day showed relatively diffuse and discernible 18 F-FDG uptake in the esophagus. Reflux esophagitis was diagnosed in 59 subjects, and 27 of these were classified as higher than Los Angeles classification A. With an increasing degree of reflux esophagitis observed on EGD, the SUV max in the esophagus and around the EG junction was also increased. Conclusion Our study showed that FDG uptake at the esophagus or the EG junction might be clinically significantly related to esophagitis. However, EGD performed before 18 F-FDG PET/CT on the same day may affect the esophageal 18 F-FDG uptake.