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F-18 FDG uptake associated with Elastofibroma dorsi
Andrew Patrikeos1, William Breidahl, Peter Robins
1SKG Radiology, St. John of God Hospital Subiaco, Perth, Australia. andrewcath@iinet.net.au
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|August 16, 2005
Summary
Positron emission tomography (PET) confirmed a liver metastasis in a colon cancer patient. The scan also identified bilateral elastofibroma dorsi, a rare benign tumor, in the subscapular region.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- F-18 FDG PET imaging is crucial for cancer staging and metastasis detection.
- Elastofibroma dorsi is a rare benign soft tissue tumor often found in the subscapular region.
- Distinguishing benign findings from malignancy is essential in oncologic imaging.
Observation:
- A patient with known colon carcinoma presented with suspected liver metastasis on CT.
- F-18 FDG PET scan confirmed the liver metastasis.
- The PET scan incidentally revealed bilateral, symmetric F-18 FDG uptake in the inferior subscapular regions.
Findings:
- The subscapular uptake corresponded to bilateral elastofibroma dorsi, previously noted on CT.
- Elastofibroma dorsi is characterized by fibroelastic tissue and fat, with variable imaging features.
- In this case, the elastofibromas demonstrated low-grade, diffuse F-18 FDG uptake.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of recognizing benign findings that can mimic metastatic disease on PET scans.
- Understanding the imaging characteristics of elastofibroma dorsi on PET, CT, and MRI aids in accurate diagnosis.
- PET/CT can reveal incidental findings of benign conditions, necessitating careful interpretation in the context of oncologic evaluation.