Normal Variants and Pitfalls Encountered in PET Assessment of Gynecologic Malignancies.

Combined PET/computed tomography is used for oncological indications. PET/computed tomography benefits from the metabolic information of PET and the anatomic localization of computed tomography. The integrated scanner provides data with accurate registration of anatomy and molecular information. Many physiologic conditions, normal variants, and benign lesions within the pelvis and the body can cause confusion and uncertainty. False-negative results owing to low 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake from the tumor can produce diagnostic challenges and inaccurate conclusions. This article reviews normal variants and potential pitfalls encountered in PET assessment of gynecologic malignancies to provide useful information for the referring and reporting physicians.