A Comparison of 18F-FDG-PET/MRI and 18F-FDG-PET/CT in the Cancer Staging of Locoregional Lymph Nodes

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the yields of 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]-fluoro-D-glucose positron-emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (F-18-FDG-PET/MRI) and F-18-FDG-PET/computed tomography (CT) for the detection of metastatic involvement of locoregional neck nodes in patients with head and neck malignancy. Patients and Methods: A total of 90 patients (66 men and 24 women) met the inclusion criteria. Preoperative staging was performed: 53 examinations using PET/CT and 37 using PET/MRI. Results: For PET/MRI, the study demonstrated a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 64%, positive predictive value of 85%, and negative predictive value of 70%; PET/CT had a sensitivity of 95%, specificity 47%, positive predictive value of 82%, and negative predictive value of 78%. Conclusion: Both methods have a high yield in N-clinical staging with statistically insignificant differences. We assume PET/MRI to be the first-choice method in organ-targeted examinations, for pediatric patients and repeat examinations. In cases of MRI contraindication, PET/CT can be used with no impact on the quality of care.