Abnormal gallium uptake in anticardiolipin syndrome: an unexplained phenomenon

A case of asymmetrical gallium uptake in the musculature of a young woman with anticardiolipin syndrome is reported. The patient was asymptomatic in the areas of involvement, muscle biopsy was normal, and the abnormal gallium accumulation was unchanged on repeat evaluation 7 months later. Possible causes for the abnormal gallium uptake are proposed, but the mechanisms of uptake in this case remain unclear. Nuclear physicians should be aware of this disorder and the potential for abnormal gallium uptake with this syndrome.