PET Aids Detection of Malignancies in Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes

PET scans might have greater predictive value than CT scans in detecting occult malignancies in these patients.

Paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes (PNS) occur in the setting of malignancy that is often barely detectable. The resulting damage to limbic structures, brainstem, or cerebellar Purkinje cells may be irreversible. Early diagnosis of malignancy is key to both diagnosis and management of PNS. In this retrospective analysis, 104 patients suspected of having PNS underwent PET scans and testing for paraneoplastic antibodies; 71 patients underwent concomitant CT scans.

Of the 104 patients, 73 had at least one paraneoplastic antibody and 31 had a clinical diagnosis of PNS without a detectable antibody. A total of 24 patients had abnormal (positive) PET scans. After imaging, 31 patients underwent biopsy of presumed tumor (PET-positive in 16 patients…

Reviewing Authors

Alfred Ian Lee, MD, PhD

Fred H. Hochberg, MD