F‑18 FDG PET/CT Clinical Service Trends in Korea from 2018 to 2022:A National Surveillance Study
10.1007/s13139-024-00898-7
- Author:
Jaesun YOON
1
;
Heejin KIM
;
Do Hyun WOO
;
Seung Yeop CHAE
;
Ji Heui LEE
;
Inki LEE
;
Ilhan LIM
;
Byung Il KIM
;
Chang Woon CHOI
;
Byung Hyung BYUN
Author Information
1. Department of Biostatistics, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
2025;59(2):117-124
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:To assess the trends and disparities in the utilization of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/ computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) in Korea between 2018 and 2022, with a focus on disease classification, patient demographics, and regional distribution.
Methods:This national surveillance retrospective study uses data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) database, which includes all FDG PET/CT examinations conducted in Korea from 2018 to 2022. Disease classifications, cancer types, age groups, gender, and geographic regions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Utilization rates per 100,000 population were calculated for regional comparisons.
Results:FDG PET/CT utilization increased by 25.4%, from 174,885 examinations in 2018 to 219,377 in 2022. Older age groups (60 years and above) accounted for the majority of examinations, with males undergoing more examinations than females. Oncology remained the primary indication, with lung, colorectal, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma leading in examination numbers. The number of examinations performed on patients aged 60 and above increased at a higher rate compared to those under 60. Significant geographic disparities were found, with Seoul reporting the highest utilization rate (1,114.3 examinations per 100,000 population), while Gyeongbuk exhibited much lower rate (26.2 examinations per 100,000 population).
Conclusions:This study highlights the growing utilization of FDG PET/CT in Korea, particularly among older adults, with significant gender differences in cancer types. The findings also reveal disparities in FDG PET/CT utilization across regions, indicating varying access to advanced imaging technology.
