PET/CT: First-Line Examination to Assess Disease Extent of Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis

J Nucl Med Technol. 2016 Sep;44(3):212-3. doi: 10.2967/jnmt.115.170449. Epub 2016 Apr 21.

Abstract

Coccidioidomycosis is an infection caused by inhalation of the Coccidioides fungus. Most infections remain subclinical or are confined to the pulmonary system. Disseminated disease is rare. Traditionally, a combination of imaging modalities has been used to determine disease extent. We suggest (18)F-FDG PET/CT as a single first-line imaging examination to assess disease extent. We present a case of disseminated coccidioidomycosis to the lung, mediastinum, soft tissues, and skeletal system. To our knowledge, no prior case reports demonstrate such widespread disease using PET/CT.

Keywords: PET/CT; coccidioidomycosis; osteolytic lesions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Coccidioidomycosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Coccidioidomycosis / pathology
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18