PURPOSE:

 

FDG PET that has been used is good for diagnosing asymptomatic colorectal cancer (CRC) recurrence in patients with elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level. However, there is no reference level of CEA rise that would universally suggest the necessity of a PET study. The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify the high-risk group of CRC recurrence through an examination of the dynamics of the CEA level rise as a recurrence indicator.

 

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

 

Between July 2002 and May 2010, 112 patients (59 men, 53 women; age, 18-87 years) had FDG PET for suspicious CRC recurrence indicated by elevated CEA level. We reviewed the PET results and the medical records for recurrence verification and calculated the ratio of increase and the velocity of change in CEA levels for risk stratification.

 

(후략)