Normal blood glucose level and (18)F-FDG PET/CT.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiopharmacology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Patient preparation is crucial for accurate Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging.
• Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake is sensitive to physiological conditions, particularly glucose levels and recent food intake.
• Standardized protocols are essential for reliable diagnostic interpretation of FDG PET scans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report an unusual case of abnormal FDG distribution in a patient undergoing PET imaging.
• To investigate the impact of recent ingestion on FDG uptake in internal organs and muscle groups.
• To emphasize the critical role of meticulous patient preparation in FDG PET studies.

Main Methods:

• A patient underwent an FDG PET scan with a normal blood glucose level.
• Abnormal FDG uptake patterns were observed, with minimal uptake in organs and extensive uptake in muscles.
• A follow-up PET scan was performed after 10 days, demonstrating normal FDG distribution.

Main Results:

• Despite normal blood glucose, the initial FDG PET scan showed significantly reduced uptake in internal organs.
• Conversely, large muscle groups exhibited unexpectedly high FDG uptake.
• A repeat scan after 10 days, with normal preparation, yielded a typical FDG distribution pattern.

Conclusions:

• Recent ingestion, even with normal blood glucose, can severely disrupt normal FDG biodistribution.
• This case underscores the necessity of strict adherence to pre-FDG PET imaging protocols.
• Proper patient preparation is paramount for ensuring the diagnostic accuracy of FDG PET scans.