Isolated Diffuse Bone Marrow Metastases From Signet-ring Cell Gastric Carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiology

Background:

• Signet-ring cell carcinoma is an aggressive subtype of gastric cancer.
• Bone metastases are a common and debilitating complication of advanced cancers.
• Early detection of skeletal metastases is crucial for effective palliative care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of extensive skeletal metastases from signet-ring cell carcinoma.
• To highlight the utility of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) in diagnosing diffuse bone involvement.
• To illustrate the clinical course and outcome in such cases.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a 71-year-old female patient with a history of signet-ring cell carcinoma.
• Diagnostic imaging using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT).
• Confirmation of metastatic disease via bone marrow biopsy.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with bone pain and anemia.
• FDG-PET/CT demonstrated diffuse, hypermetabolic sclerotic lesions throughout the axial and proximal appendicular skeleton.
• Bone marrow biopsy confirmed metastatic carcinoma from a gastric primary.

Conclusions:

• Signet-ring cell carcinoma can present with extensive, diffuse skeletal metastases.
• FDG-PET/CT is a valuable tool for identifying widespread bone involvement in metastatic cancer.
• The patient received palliative treatment but experienced rapid disease progression and mortality.