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Anthracotic Right Supraclavicular Lymph Node Mimicking Metastasis on FDG-PET/CT in Endometrial Carcinosarcoma: A Case
Juhun Lee1, Min Jae Kang1, Hyun Jung Lee1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook Nation University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
Background/Aim:
[18F]2-Fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is widely used for staging endometrial carcinoma, but false-positive findings may occur due to benign conditions. Supraclavicular nodal anthracosis is rare and can mimic distant metastasis. We report a rare case of right supraclavicular nodal anthracosis in endometrial carcinosarcoma.
Case Report:
An 80-year-old woman with suspected endometrial malignancy underwent FDG-PET/CT, which demonstrated FDG uptake in the uterus and right supraclavicular, mediastinal, and hilar lymph nodes. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy of the right supraclavicular lymph node revealed extensive anthracotic pigment deposition without evidence of malignancy. The final diagnosis after surgery was endometrial carcinosarcoma, FIGO stage IIC.
Conclusion:
Right supraclavicular nodal anthracosis may cause false-positive FDG-PET/CT findings, potentially related to lymphatic migration of carbon-laden macrophages via rare variant thoracic duct anatomy. Histologic confirmation is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate disease upstaging.
