The predictive ability of liver function indexes on 18F-FDG uptake in the liver

Aim: The liver is an important reference organ for positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) examination using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG). However, 18F-FDG uptake by the liver is affected by many factors. We therefore investigated the effect of hepatic function on 18F-FDG uptake in the liver. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data on the hepatic function and the mean liver standardized uptake value (SUV) of 18F-FDG uptake in the liver during PET-CT examination of 500 (381 males, 119 females, aged 27-71) physical examinees. Results: The mean liver SUV was 1.88 +/- 0.20. The correlation coefficient and partial correlation coefficient for age, the levels of conjugated bilirubin, globulin, AST and the mean liver SUV were statistically significant (r' = 0.119, -0.197, -0.089 and 0.151, all p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age and the levels of conju-gated bilirubin, globulin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were independent factors that influenced changes in the mean liver SUV (beta = 0.008, -0.025, -0.151 and 0.005, all p < 0.05). The globulin level had the biggest predictive ability (beta '= -0.151, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The uptake of 18F-FDG in the liver was influenced by some liver function indexes. The levels of conjugated bilirubin, globulin and AST were independent factors for predicting changes in the uptake of 18F-FDG in the liver. Liver function test results should be combined with an evaluation of the metabolic activity of the liver.