Reduction of FDG uptake in brown adipose tissue in clinical patients by a single dose of propranolol

Purpose Uptake in brown adipose tissue (hibernating fat) is sometimes seen at FDG-PET examinations. Despite a characteristic appearance, this may hide clinically relevant uptake. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system increases glucose uptake of brown fat. We now re-examine patients with brown fat activity that could disguise tumour uptake after pre-treatment with propranolol (a non-selective β-blocker) in order to reduce the uptake. Our first examinations of this kind are reported.