Accuracy of [18F]FDG PET/MRI for the detection of liver metastases

Liver metastases substantially influence both prognosis as well as therapeutic options in oncologic patients. An exact localization of liver metastases and the differentiation between unilobar and bilobar metastatic spread is necessary in order to choose the best therapy (liver resection, ablation, chemotherapy). While computed tomography (CT) represents the clinical standard in abdominal tumor staging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver with its excellent soft tissue contrast offers a higher sensitivity especially in liver lesions sized <10 mm. Positron emission tomography (PET) with [18F]FDG, usually in combination with CT, enables a further characterization of liver lesions based on their glucose metabolism. Read more.