FDG-PET in the detection of gastrointestinal metastases in melanoma.

We report six cases of malignant melanoma metastatic to the small bowel in which the information obtained from fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) contributed significantly to the management of the patients. In each of these cases the conventional diagnostic work-up missed findings that were important for treatment planning. We conclude that FDG-PET is a valuable modality in melanoma patients with suspected gastrointestinal involvement. It is also a sensitive technique for the diagnosis of other intra-abdominal as well as extra-abdominal metastases.