In order to obtain the PET/CT images for this study, the patients were asked to follow specific instructions for each tracer. First, FDG imaging was conducted, before which they were required to fast for 6 h. Fingerstick glucose readings were performed beforehand to ensure a reasonable range for accurate imaging and all patients had a glucose concentration confirmed to be below 8 mmol/L. An IV catheter was used to administer 0.11 mCi/kg radiolabeled FDG before imaging. NaF imaging was conducted during the second visit and no fasting or fingerstick glucose measurements were required. An IV catheter was used to administer 0.08 mCi/kg radiolabeled NaF before imaging.
All PET/CT examinations were performed on a Biograph 64 Hybrid PET/CT Imaging System (Siemens Medical Solutions, Inc. Malvern, PA, USA) at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. The whole-body static FDG PET/CT examination was performed 180 min after administration of FDG. The acquisition time was 3.5 min/bed. The NaF-PET/CT examinations were performed 90 min following tracer injection and the acquisition time was 2.5 min/bed. Corrections were performed for scatter, random coincidences, and scanner dead time, while low-dose CT was used for attenuation correction and anatomic localization.
All PET/CT examinations were performed on a Biograph 64 Hybrid PET/CT Imaging System (Siemens Medical Solutions, Inc. Malvern, PA, USA) at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. The whole-body static FDG PET/CT examination was performed 180 min after administration of FDG. The acquisition time was 3.5 min/bed. The NaF-PET/CT examinations were performed 90 min following tracer injection and the acquisition time was 2.5 min/bed. Corrections were performed for scatter, random coincidences, and scanner dead time, while low-dose CT was used for attenuation correction and anatomic localization.