Positron emission tomography in the detection and management of sarcomatous transformation in neurofibromatosis

Benign neurofibromas undergo sarcomatous transformation in approximately 5% of patients with neurofibromatosis type I, The clinical and radiologic dia gnosis of sarcomatous change remains difficult. Positron emission tomograph y with F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose is a method to assess increased glucose meta bolism in malignant tissue such as sarcomas. In this case report, positron emission tomography accurately distinguished malignant from benign neurofib romas, The technique may be useful as a noninvasive screening tool for mali gnant transformation of neurofibromas.