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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
Pre-clinical Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer
Published on: August 29, 2016
18 F-PSMA Expression in Amoebic Liver Abscesses Mimics as Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Anjali Meena1, Harmandeep Singh1, Bhagwant Rai Mittal1
1Departments of Nuclear Medicine.
Abstract:
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT imaging has revolutionized the management of prostate cancer. Increased PSMA expression is also reported in many benign pathologies and can lead to diagnostic pitfalls if not carefully considered. The knowledge of these conditions is crucial in clinical decision-making in prostate cancer. Here, we highlight a case of liver amoebic abscesses interpreted as necrotic hepatic metastases on ultrasonography showing PSMA expression in periphery of the early hepatic amoebic lesions.
Insights
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT scans can misdiagnose benign conditions as cancer. This case shows PSMA expression in liver amoebic abscesses, highlighting the need for careful interpretation in prostate cancer management.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine
- Radiopharmaceuticals
- Oncology
Background:
- Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT is a key imaging modality in prostate cancer management.
- Increased PSMA expression can occur in benign conditions, potentially causing diagnostic errors.
- Awareness of these benign pathologies is vital for accurate clinical decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of liver amoebic abscesses exhibiting PSMA expression.
- To emphasize the potential diagnostic pitfalls of PSMA PET/CT in non-cancerous conditions.
- To underscore the importance of considering benign pathologies in PSMA PET/CT interpretation.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of imaging findings including ultrasonography and PSMA PET/CT.
- Discussion of differential diagnoses for PSMA-avid hepatic lesions.
Main Results:
- Ultrasonography initially suggested necrotic hepatic metastases.
- PSMA PET/CT demonstrated PSMA expression in the periphery of early hepatic amoebic lesions.
- The findings highlight a potential misinterpretation of benign amoebic abscesses as metastatic prostate cancer.
Conclusions:
- Benign conditions like liver amoebic abscesses can exhibit PSMA uptake.
- Careful correlation with clinical presentation and other imaging modalities is essential to avoid misdiagnosis.
- Understanding PSMA expression in non-malignant pathologies improves diagnostic accuracy in prostate cancer patients.
