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Updated: Feb 8, 2026

Functional Imaging of Brown Fat in Mice with 18F-FDG micro-PET/CT
Published on: November 23, 2012
18 F-FDG PET/CT Five Days Post First Administration of Semaglutide : Side Effects in One Shot
Elizabeth Katherine Anna Triumbari1,2, Margherita Lorusso1, Fiammetta Cirillo1
1Nuclear Medicine Unit - Medipass Ergéa Group, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico.
This case study highlights how 18F-FDG PET/CT scans can reveal multi-organ side effects from Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, including gastroparesis and kidney injury. Nuclear medicine physicians must recognize these imaging manifestations.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists like Semaglutide are widely used for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- Adverse effects are common, but multi-organ manifestations on imaging are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of multi-organ Semaglutide-induced side effects visualized on 18F-FDG PET/CT.
- To raise awareness among nuclear medicine physicians regarding these potential imaging findings.
Main Methods:
- A 60-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT for treatment response assessment.
- Clinical evaluation and laboratory tests were used to confirm suspected side effects.
Main Results:
- 18F-FDG PET/CT showed abnormal gastric retention, gallbladder, colonic, and renal uptake.
- These findings were suggestive of Semaglutide-induced gastroparesis, cholecystitis, colitis, and acute kidney injury.
- Symptoms resolved after supportive care and Semaglutide discontinuation.
Conclusions:
- This is the first report of multi-organ side effects of Semaglutide visualized on 18F-FDG PET/CT.
- Nuclear medicine physicians should be aware of GLP-1 receptor agonist medication-related side effects and their imaging patterns.
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