Objective: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is currently one of the most important emerging imaging modalities. Due to its high cost, appropriate guidance for use of the modality should be tailored to the context of each country. The present review aimed to provide guidance for appropriate use of PET/CT in Thailand.

Materials and Methods: Studies of PET/CT use in the top ten most prevalent cancers in Thailand and in Cardiology and Neurology between January 1, 2005 and March 31, 2015 were searched. Four nuclear medicine physicians summarized and synthesized the evidence regarding use of PET/CT in target conditions. Summarized evidence was presented to a multidisciplinary panel of experts, and recommendations for PET/CT use were made.

Results: Recommendations regarding F18-FDG PET/CT use are presented in the present review. This information should help policy makers in deciding the indications that F18-FDG PET/CT should made reimbursable in the key health insurance schemes.

Conclusion: The present study is the first published recommendation, from reviewed of the literatures, on the appropriate use of PET/CT in Thailand. This should help clinicians and healthcare policy makers in their decision regarding the use and benefit of PET/CT.

Keywords: Positron emission tomography, PET/CT, Appropriate use, Cancer, Diagnostic imaging

Received 11 Jun 2018 | Revised 23 Oct 2018 | Accepted 24 Oct 2018