18 F-FDG PET/CT images analysis
CT staging was performed using contrast-enhanced high dose CT images obtained from the PET/CT scanner. CT images were interpreted independently by an experienced radiologist. The PET part of the PET/CT was analysed by an experienced nuclear medicine. Attenuation-corrected as well as non-attenuation-corrected images were reviewed to avoid misinterpretation of attenuation-correction artefacts due to the proximity of dense materials (e.g. device related). Qualitative analysis of the images was done by visualisation of the areas with increased18F-FDG uptake. The presence of increased18F-FDG activity that could not be explained by physiological uptake was considered as a potential site of inflammation. PET and CT findings were integrated in a final hybrid PET/CT finding.