Increased uptake of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose due to Mycobacterium avium complex in a solitary pulmonary nodule

J La State Med Soc. 2008 May-Jun;160(3):150-2.

Abstract

A 59-year-old woman with a history of both breast and lung cancer developed a new 1.5 cm solitary pulmonary nodule on computed tomography (CT) scan. The nodule had increased 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography (PET) with a standard uptake value (SUV) of 3.4. A CT guided biopsy was performed, and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) was identified. PET scans have become an important part of the diagnosis, staging, and follow-up of cancer. Even in individuals at considerable risk for cancer with a solitary nodule demonstrating increased FDG uptake, further diagnostic evaluation and needle biopsy might receive consideration prior to surgical intervention.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / administration & dosage
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / pharmacokinetics*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium avium Complex / metabolism*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / diagnostic imaging*
  • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / physiopathology

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18