Athletic Osteitis Pubis Detected on 18 F-FDG PET/CT

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Radiology
• Inflammatory Diseases

Background:

• Osteitis pubis is an inflammatory condition affecting the pubic symphysis.
• It commonly occurs in athletes and can cause significant pain and discomfort.
• Differential diagnosis is crucial to rule out other serious conditions.

Observation:

• A 37-year-old male personal trainer presented with debilitating groin pain, fever, and night sweats.
• Physical examination revealed enlarged inguinal lymph nodes.
• Blood tests indicated elevated inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein).

Findings:

• 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging excluded malignancy, including lymphoma.
• The imaging demonstrated intense FDG uptake at the pubic symphysis.
• CT revealed cortical erosions of the pubic bones, consistent with osteitis pubis.

Implications:

• This case highlights the utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing osteitis pubis.
• Early diagnosis and treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs led to symptom resolution and normalization of inflammatory markers.
• Prompt management can significantly improve outcomes for athletes suffering from this condition.