Role of integrated computerized tomography-positron emission tomography (CT-PET) in the management of cryptogenic organizing pneumonia

Summary 

Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), also known as bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is emerging to be a frequently recognized pulmonary illness. The management and follow-up of the disease progress remains arbitrary. We present a case of COP where integrated computerized tomography-positron emission tomography (CT-PET) along with blood inflammatory markers, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were used to assess the progress of the disease process. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) activity on CT-PET correlated well with blood inflammatory markers during remission and relapse. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report to show such correlation. CT-PET may provide valuable information about the disease activity distinguishing active inflammation from residual fibrosis and thus help to tailor the steroid therapy.

Keywords: Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, Computerized tomography-positron emission tomography