The maximum standardized uptake value of preoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography in lung adenocarcinoma with a ground-glass opacity component of less than 30mm

Background and ObjectivesThis study evaluated the relationship between the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of preoperative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and the characteristics of lung adenocarcinoma featuring ground-glass opacity nodules (GGN). MethodsThe association of the SUVmax of preoperative PET/CT with ground-glass opacity (GGO) proportion on CT, subtypes of adenocarcinoma (minimally invasive adenocarcinoma, invasive adenocarcinoma), predominant types of invasive adenocarcinoma, and size of the total and invasive components of pathology were evaluated in 190 patients who underwent resection for lung adenocarcinoma featuring GGN. ResultsThe mean SUVmax of non-solid GGN and partly solid GGN were 0.53 and 1.32, respectively (P=0.029). The mean SUVmax of the main masses in 38 patients with MIA and 152 with invasive adenocarcinoma were 0.86 and 1.36, respectively (P=0.029). The mean SUVmax of acinar, lepidic, papillary, and solid tumors were 1.61, 0.87, 0.98, and 1.60, respectively. The mean SUVmax of invasive components measuring 10mm, 11-20mm, and >20mm were 0.84, 1.66, and 2.09, respectively (P<0.001). ConclusionsThe SUVmax of lung adenocarcinoma featuring GGN can vary depending on the GGO proportion. A higher SUVmax can be expected in invasive adenocarcinoma than in MIA, and solid and acinar-predominant invasive adenocarcinoma showed a higher SUVmax.