PET/MR imaging in gynecologic cancer: tips for differentiating normal gynecologic anatomy and benign pathology versus cancer

Abdom Radiol (NY). 2022 Sep;47(9):3189-3204. doi: 10.1007/s00261-021-03264-9. Epub 2021 Oct 23.

Abstract

Positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MR) is used in the pre-treatment and surveillance settings to evaluate women with gynecologic malignancies, including uterine, cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. PET/MR combines the excellent spatial and contrast resolution of MR imaging for gynecologic tissues, with the functional metabolic information of PET, to aid in a more accurate assessment of local disease extent and distant metastatic disease. In this review, the optimal protocol and utility of whole-body PET/MR imaging in patients with gynecologic malignancies will be discussed, with an emphasis on the advantages of PET/MR over PET/CT and how to differentiate normal or benign gynecologic tissues from cancer in the pelvis.

Keywords: Cervical cancer; Endometrial cancer; Gynecologic cancer; PET/MR; Vaginal cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female* / diagnostic imaging
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Pelvis / pathology
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography* / methods
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18