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Mediastinal Staging of Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Using Computed and Positron—Emission Tomography

Background. We evaluated the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) and positron- emission tomography (PET) in the mediastinal staging of non-small cell lung cancer. Methods. Between May 14, 1999, and November 28, 2000, computerized tomography (CT) and positron-emission tomography (PET) were used to clinically stage 94 consecutive patients with non-small cell carcinoma of the lung (NSCCL). All patients underwent subsequent surgical staging with mediastinoscopy, anterior mediastinotomy, and/or thoracotomy with mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Results. Overall accuracy was the same for both procedures. False-negative results occurred 3 times more often with CT; false-positive results occurred twice as often with PET. Sensitivity and specificity were 64% and 94%, respectively, for CT, versus 88% and 86%, respectively, for PET. Positive and negative predictive values were 80% and 88%, respectively, for CT, versus 71% and 95%, respectively, for PET. Conclusion. In addition to routine use of CT, PET seems to achieve high negative predictive value in the evaluation of mediastinal disease; PET seems particularly helpful in assessing absence of tumor in bulky nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.