Renal osteodystrophy presenting as a metabolic superscan on F-18 FDG PET/CT: A case report

F-18 Fluoro Deoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography (F-18 FDG PET/CT) is a useful modality in the evaluation of patients with malignancies. Increased incidence of lympho-proliferative disorders has been reported in individuals with long-standing end-stage renal disorders treated with renal replacement therapy.

A 30-year-old male on peritoneal dialysis on account of end-stage renal disease. He had acute rejection of an earlier transplanted renal allograft. He was referred for an F-18 FDG PET/CT based on a clinical suspicion of lymphoma on account of bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy associated with bilateral pedal swelling.

Renal osteodystrophy was diagnosed based on diffusely intense F-18 FDG uptake in the axial skeleton, focal uptake in the costochondrial junctions and linear cortical uptake in the appendicular skeleton. No findings suggestive of lymphoma was seen.

A diagnosis of renal osteodystrophy with no evidence of a lymphoma prevented futile biopsy of inguinal lymphadenopathy. Patient continued with peritoneal dialysis with no further intervention OUTCOMES:: Regular follow-up of patient to monitor calcium, phosphate and parathyroid hormone levels. Treatment will be indicated when laboratory results as well as clinical signs and symptoms are suggestive.

Metabolic bone disorder such as is seen in renal osteodystrophy should be considered in the differential diagnoses in patients with diffusely increased bone uptake on F-18 FDG PET/CT scan.