A third of the radiotracer dose: two decades of progress in pediatric [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and PET/MR imaging

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess the evolution of administered radiotracer activity for F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT or PET/MR in pediatric patients (0–16 years) between years 2000 and 2021.MethodsPediatric patients (≤ 16 years) referred for 18F-FDG PET/CT or PET/MR imaging of the body during 2000 and 2021 were retrospectively included. The amount of administered radiotracer activity in megabecquerel (MBq) was recorded, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was measured in the right liver lobe with a 4 cm3 volume of interest as an indicator for objective image quality. Descriptive statistics were computed.ResultsTwo hundred forty-three children and adolescents underwent a total of 466 examinations. The median injected 18F-FDG activity in MBq decreased significantly from 296 MBq in 2000–2005 to 100 MBq in 2016–2021 (p < 0.001), equaling approximately one-third of the initial amount. The median SNR ratio was stable during all years with 11.7 (interquartile range [IQR] 10.7–12.9, p = 0.133).ConclusionsChildren have benefited from a massive reduction in the administered 18F-FDG dose over the past 20 years without compromising objective image quality.Clinical relevance statementRadiotracer dose was reduced considerably over the past two decades of pediatric F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT and PET/MR imaging highlighting the success of technical innovations in pediatric PET imaging.Key Points• The evolution of administered radiotracer activity for F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET/CT or PET/MR in pediatric patients (0–16 years) between 2000 and 2021 was assessed.• The injected tracer activity decreased by 66% during the study period from 296 megabecquerel (MBq) to 100 MBq (p < 0.001).• The continuous implementation of technical innovations in pediatric hybrid 18F-FDG PET has led to a steady decrease in the amount of applied radiotracer, which is particularly beneficial for children who are more sensitive to radiation.