Diffuse 18F-FDG Muscle Uptake in Trichinella spiralis Infection

Two patients were referred to our emergency department with myalgia, fever, general malaise, eosinophilia, and elevated serum levels of creatine kinase and troponin T. 18F-FDG PET/CT scan was performed showing a diffuse and homogenous moderately elevated glucose uptake in all muscle groups. Trichinella spiralis infection was confirmed by a muscle biopsy and detection of trichinella antibodies. The muscle biopsy was taken in the left quadriceps because of equal involvement of the skeletal muscles. The differential diagnosis of diffuse 18F-FDG muscle uptake should include trichinella infection, in particular, in the presence of infectious symptoms, eosinophilia, and biochemical signs of muscle damage.