Abstract
PURPOSE: This study evaluated the fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) imaging features associated with the totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) in cancer patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective single-institution review of TIVAD placements between January 2016 and December 2020. Among these, we identified cases where FDG-PET/CT was performed to monitor malignant tumors after TIVAD placement. Increased accumulation was evaluated based on the site, TIVAD approach, and indwelling time. RESULTS: In total, 145 TIVAD placements were identified in 144 patients. The median number of FDG-PET/CT examinations was two (range: 1-14). Sites of increased accumulation were found in the vein of catheter penetration (8.3%) and port (1.4%). Increased accumulations were observed only with the subclavian approach. In patients with an indwelling time > 1 month, all accumulations were observed in the vein of catheter penetration (7.9%). CONCLUSION: Increased FDG accumulation associated with the TIVAD is not uncommon. A small thrombus with some reactive processes at the vein penetration site may be responsible for the increased accumulation.