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Physiologic PSMA Uptake in an Intraprostatic Ganglion: A Rare PET/CT Finding
Ayesha Zubair1, Nadia Nazir2, Aamna Hassan1
1Department of Nuclear Medicine.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|June 27, 2026
Summary
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET-CT commonly shows tracer uptake in sympathetic ganglia. This study highlights an unusual finding of PSMA avidity within intraprostatic ganglia, a potential diagnostic pitfall in prostate cancer imaging.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET-CT is a standard imaging modality for prostate cancer.
- PSMA tracer uptake is typically seen in prostate cancer but also in sympathetic chain ganglia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report an unusual case of PSMA avidity localized to intraprostatic ganglia.
- To identify a potential diagnostic pitfall in PSMA PET-CT interpretation for prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of PSMA PET-CT imaging in prostate cancer patients.
- Identification and characterization of PSMA tracer uptake in intraprostatic ganglia.
Main Results:
- PSMA avidity was observed within intraprostatic ganglia, distinct from tumor uptake.
- This finding mimics other pathologies and can be a diagnostic challenge.
Conclusions:
- Intraprostatic PSMA-avid ganglia represent an unusual imaging finding.
- Awareness of this pitfall is crucial for accurate interpretation of PSMA PET-CT in prostate cancer management.
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