A False Positive Uptake of F-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose in the Liver in PET/CT Scan: Case Report

Abstract

We reported a case that shows two simultaneous pitfalls of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), including mislocalization and iatrogenic F-18-Fluorodeoxy-glucose (F-18-FDG) microembolism in the lung. A follow up F-18-FDG scan of the patient operated due to a cutaneous leiomyosarcoma indicated a focus of intense radiotracer accumulation in the right liver lobe and in the right inferior paratracheal lymph node. Focal accumulation of 18F-FDG in the lung can be observed following paravenous injection. The difference in respiratory cycles between PET and CT images may potentially result in mislocalization if the radiotracer activity is close to either side of the diaphragm.