18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography characterization of solitary pulmonary nodules: can we do better?

Solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) are discrete, well-marginated, rounded opacities less than or equal to 3 cm in diameter that are surrounded by lung parenchyma, do not touch the hilum or mediastinum, and are not associated with adenopathy, atelectasis, or pleural effusion. These structures have a high prevalence, being visualized in up to 69% of patients screened using low-dose computed tomography (CT) (1)