Preprints.org
⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT Uptake and Physiological Impairment in Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia: An Exploratory Case Series
By Palamidas A, Tzilas V and Bouros D.
Abstract
Background
/Objectives: Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) can cause respiratory symptoms and physiological impairment. We explored associations between quantitative ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC uptake, pulmonary physiology and nodule count in histologically confirmed DIPNECH.
Methods
This retrospective single-centre series included six consecutive adults diagnosed during 2020–2025 who underwent ⁶⁸Ga-DOTATOC PET/CT. Histological confirmation was obtained by surgical lung biopsy in four patients and transbronchial cryobiopsy in two. Spearman correlations assessed associations of maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax) with pulmonary-function measures and a post hoc composite index incorporating diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), FEF25–75 and FEV1/FVC. Nodule count was compared with DLCO. Analyses were exploratory, without adjustment for multiple comparisons.