Comparison of Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography with Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography in Assessing Extra-Nodal Involvement in Lymphoma

Objective: To compare the sites of extra-nodal involvement by Contrast-Enhanced Computed Tomography (CECT) and Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT) in lymphoma patients Study Design: Cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Radiology & Imaging, Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Aug to Dec 2021. Methodology: A total of 216 patients were included in the study who were diagnosed with lymphoma and presented with suspicion of extra-nodal metastasis. CECT and PET CT were performed in these patients, and a comparison of CECT and PET CT was made in the detection of sites of extra-nodal involvement. Results: A total of 216 patients were included in the study, and the ability of CECT and PET CT was compared to detect the sites of extra-nodal involvement. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for 18-FDG PET-CT were calculated as 92.7%, 100.0%, 100.0% and 95.7% respectively, which was significantly more than CECT. Conclusion: PET CT has proven to be a superior diagnostic tool for identifying sites of extra-nodal involvement as compared to CECT. It plays a significant role in guiding effective disease management.