Does Written Clinical Indication Truly Impact Final [18F]FDG PET/CT Conclusion? A Retrospective Analysis
Ammad S. Al Tamimi, Hamad S. Al Busaidi, Mohammed A. Al Mamari, Saleh S. Al Abri, Hussain I. Al Bulushi, Salim M. Al Abri, Mohammed K. Al Balushi, Saif Z. Al Salmi, Qsee H. Al OmairiPurpose of the Report:
This study evaluates whether the clarity of the written clinical indication influences the final interpretation of [ 18 F]FDG PET/CT scans, particularly in cases where the indication is unclear.
Patients and Methods:
After institutional review board approval, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 309 PET/CT scans performed between June 23, 2021, and October 1, 2025. Fifty-six scans (18.1%) with unclear clinical indications were included. Scans were classified as PET/CT-positive (malignant) or PET/CT-negative (nonmalignant). Histopathologic, radiologic, and laboratory data were collected from the Hospital Information System and statistically analyzed.
Results:
Among 56 patients (53.6% female; mean age 52±14 y), 21 (37.5%) were PET/CT-positive and 35 (62.5%) PET/CT-negative. PET/CT positivity was higher in patients under 50 years (61.9%). Biopsy confirmed malignancy in 61.9% of PET/CT-positive cases. Radiologic correlation was present in 95.2% of positive and 65.7% of negative scans. Laboratory findings showed limited diagnostic contribution.
Conclusions:
[ 18 F]FDG PET/CT demonstrates strong diagnostic value even when clinical indications are unclear. Imaging outcomes appear to be driven more by underlying metabolic activity than by the specificity of the referral. These findings support confident scan interpretation and may help streamline reporting in cases with vague clinical indications.