Increased 18F-FDG uptake mimicking thyroid cancer in a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Eur Radiol. 2003 Sep;13(9):2119-21. doi: 10.1007/s00330-002-1619-4. Epub 2002 Aug 30.

Abstract

We report the case of a 68-year-old patient with a known paravertebral malignant schwannoma, sent to us for postoperative staging. A combined whole-body PET/CT scan showed only poor (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the region of the primary tumor but distinct increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the left and right thyroid gland. Thyroid sonography showed two hypoechogenic nodules. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of one nodule showed oxyphil transformed cells, compatible with malignancy. Based on these findings, the patient underwent a subtotal thyroidectomy. Histopathology of the specimen revealed a chronic follicular Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This case demonstrates that Hashimoto's thyroiditis can mimic thyroid cancer in PET but also in sonography and fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / pharmacokinetics
  • Humans
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / pharmacokinetics
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / metabolism
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / pathology
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18