Mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) and global hepatic glycolysis as potential imaging markers reflecting hepatic functional capacity: evidence from 18F-FDG PET/CT.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic cirrhosis caused by hepatic steatosis and hepatitis is irreversible. Early and non-invasive diagnosis of these diffuse hepatopathies calls for possible imaging markers. The purpose of this study was to explore the changes in global hepatic glucose metabolism following hepatic steatosis, hepatitis, or cirrhosis on 18F-2-fluoro-2-D-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET)/computed tomography (CT).
METHODS: A total of 178 subjects (51 healthy controls, 41 patients with hepatic steatosis, 50 patients with chronic hepatitis, and 36 patients with hepatic cirrhosis) were recruited, and their hepatic 18F-FDG PET/CT images were reviewed retrospectively. The hepatic volume (HV; cm3), mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) in the global liver, and accordingly, global hepatic glycolysis (GHG; cm3) were measured. SPSS 19.0 was used for statistical analysis with ANOVA and LSD t-tests, and p <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: Statistical differences were observed in SUVmean among the hepatic steatosis group (2.44 ± 0.40), hepatitis group (2.47 ±0 .37), control group (2.23 ± 0.42), and hepatic cirrhosis group (2.01 ± 0.36) except between the steatosis group and hepatitis group. Statistical differences were observed in GHG among the hepatic steatosis group (2,918.44 ± 962.67), hepatitis group (2,466.66 ± 668.33), control group (2,230.46 ± 549.47), and hepatic cirrhosis group (1,693.81 ± 666.21) except between the hepatitis group and control group.
CONCLUSIONS: SUVmean, together with GHG, can reflect hepatic functional capacity, which can be regarded as potential imaging markers in assessing diffuse hepatopathies. HIPPOKRATIA 2018, 22(4): 162-166. Copyright 2018, Hippokratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki.