Endobronchial Myoepithelioma With Fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake
Taro Abe1, Keitaro Nakamoto1, Eriko Ieki1
1Department of Respiratory Medicine Kyorin University Suginami Hospital Suginami Japan.
Respirology Case Reports
|August 12, 2026
Summary
A rare endobronchial myoepithelioma case is presented. This tumor, though uncommon, should be considered in the diagnosis of lung nodules showing fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Endobronchial myoepitheliomas are exceedingly rare tumors of the respiratory system.
- Diagnosis can be challenging, often initially mistaken for infections like pneumonia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of endobronchial myoepithelioma.
- To highlight diagnostic considerations for rare pulmonary nodules.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 43-year-old woman with persistent cough.
- Diagnostic procedures included Chest CT, bronchoscopy, and PET/CT.
- Surgical resection (left upper lobectomy) and histopathological examination with immunostaining.
Main Results:
- Initial misdiagnosis as pneumonia, with persistent symptoms despite antibiotic treatment.
- Bronchoscopy revealed an obstructing lingular bronchial lesion.
- PET/CT showed a nodule with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake.
- Pathology confirmed endobronchial myoepithelioma; no recurrence at 18 months.
Conclusions:
- Endobronchial myoepithelioma is a rare diagnosis that must be included in the differential for pulmonary nodules with FDG uptake.
- Multimodality imaging and histopathology are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
