Evaluation of Age and Body Mass Index-Related Changes in Standardized Uptake Values in the Normal Liver on 18F-FDG Positron Emission Tomography

Abstract

The physiological level of 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (¹⁸F-FDG) absorption in the liver varies. Before interpreting whole-body positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging for cancer detection. It is critical to understand the different levels of FDG accumulation in the liver, which are indicative of physiological changes and normal distribution of ¹⁸F-FDG. the aim of this study is to monitor the possible variables that influence the level of physiological FDG uptake in the liver as seen by FDG PET-CT imaging. A total of two hundred participants underwent ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT tests between March to July 2024 and were categorized into seven age groups. Demographic information was obtained from chart records. The maximum Standard Uptake Values (SUVs) and the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the liver were computed for each subject. It was noted that BMI has an effect on FDG uptake. FDG uptake differed significantly across the low and high BMI groups, as did liver SUV_max and FDG uptake with age. The most significant predictor of SUV_max was age. The subjects were divided into seven age groups. SUVs experienced a significant increase up to the age group 48-58 year. The study concluded that differences in liver SUVs are significantly influenced by age. Our research revealed the alterations in SUVs with age. The determined normal range of SUVs in the liver may assist physicians in the more precise detection of malignancies. Further, the uptake of hepatic FDG is influenced by, and correlated with BMI.