Avid FDG uptake in a rapidly enlarging common carotid artery mycotic aneurysm, mimicking lymphadenopathy
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
David Bonekamp1, Joshua D Smith, Nafi Aygun
1Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. dboneka1@jhmi.edu
Abstract:
We present a case of mycotic pseudoaneurysm of the right common carotid artery, which demonstrated avid FDG uptake mimicking lymphomatous involvement on a non-contrast FDG-PET/CT scan. Within 6 days of initial presentation, the pseudoaneurysm enlarged rapidly and required emergent surgical repair. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case both of a PET-positive non-aortic aneurysm and a rapidly enlarging common carotid artery pseudoaneurysm. This case highlights the importance of contrast administration with PET/CT and the heralding nature of FDG uptake in an aneurysm wall for impending aneurysm rupture.
Related Concept Videos
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
