FDG PET/CT in eosinophilic esophagitis

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Pathology

Background:

• Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an immune-mediated esophageal disease.
• It is characterized by esophageal eosinophil infiltration.
• Diagnosis often relies on endoscopic and histologic findings.

Observation:

• A 37-year-old man presented with chronic left upper abdominal pain.
• Elevated peripheral eosinophils and esophageal wall thickening on CT were noted.
• FDG PET/CT revealed diffuse uptake in the thickened esophageal wall.

Findings:

• Esophageal endoscopy showed pale, edematous mucosa.
• Histology confirmed marked eosinophil infiltration.
• The findings were consistent with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Implications:

• EoE should be considered in the differential diagnosis of abnormal esophageal FDG uptake on PET/CT.
• This expands the understanding of FDG PET/CT findings in EoE.
• Highlights the importance of integrating clinical, endoscopic, and imaging data.