Stoma Site Infection Mimicking Lymphoma Recurrence: Potential Pitfall on ¹⁸F FDG Positron Emission...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• ¹⁸F FDG PET-CT is widely used for cancer staging and monitoring.
• Differentiating between infection and malignancy can be challenging, particularly in lymph node imaging.
• Previous lymphoma surgery can complicate interpretation of subsequent imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case where ¹⁸F FDG PET-CT falsely suggested lymphoma recurrence.
• To highlight the limitations of FDG uptake in distinguishing infectious from malignant etiologies.
• To emphasize the importance of considering alternative diagnoses in post-surgical patients.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 42-year-old male patient.
• Review of medical history including ileal lymphoma surgery.
• Analysis of ¹⁸F FDG PET-CT findings.
• Clinical correlation and diagnostic workup.

Main Results:

• ¹⁸F FDG PET-CT indicated malignancy at the ileostomy site, mimicking lymphoma recurrence.
• The patient was diagnosed with an ileostomy site infection, not tumor relapse.
• FDG uptake was high in the infected area, leading to misinterpretation.

Conclusions:

• ¹⁸F FDG uptake is not a definitive marker for malignancy, especially in the context of infection.
• Ileostomy site infections can mimic recurrent lymphoma on ¹⁸F FDG PET-CT.
• Clinical context and further investigations are crucial for accurate diagnosis.