Abstract

Objective: To assess the testicular physiological uptake of FDG in patients who underwent PET/CT for reasons other than testicular cancer, and its relationship with age and glycemia.

Method: 169 patients undergoing FDG-PET/CT were retrospectively analyzed. The highest SUVmax and its relationship with age and glycemia was assessed. In addition, the SUVmax between the right and left testis was compared.

Results: The highest SUVmax was observed in the range of 21-30 years, progressively decreasing with age. There was a negative correlation between radiotracer uptake and blood glucose level. In addition, a 5.4% higher uptake was found in the right testicle compared to the left.

Conclusion: Testicular metabolic activity varies depending on the patient’s age and the glycemic level, and is on average slightly higher in the right testicle. These findings help to correctly interpret the physiological testicular uptake of 18F-FDG in cancer patients.