Technology Outcomes FDG-18 Technology Assessment Available from AHCPR The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (AHCPR) recently published a technology assessment on FDG Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans for the Localization of the Epileptogenic Foci. The localization of epileptogenic foci that may respond to curative epilepsy surgery may be done by noninvasive surface electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings, clinical observations, CT, MRI, and neuropsychologic tests. Other tests, such as invasive EEG, FDG-PET scans, and SPECT scans have also been used to help identify candidates for this surgery. The AHCPR assessment found that although substitution of the noninvasive PET scan for the invasive EEG recordings would be desirable, the available data were insufficient to determine whether PET scans might serve as a reliable substitute for EEG. A positive PET scan might contribute independent information for identifying epileptogenic site but could be noncontributory or confusing when hypometabolism is not seen or is seen in presumably normal brain areas. Available data do not indicate to what extent confirmatory PET scan findings might contribute to the management of patients with complex partial seizures. To obtain a free copy of the technology assessment, you may contact the AHCPR Clearinghouse at (800) 358-9295 and request AHCPR publication No. 98-0044.     About SNM  About Nuclear Medicine  Education & Professional Development Research & Data  Policy & Practice Home  Shop SNM  Search  Contact us  Links  News & Updates Back To Top