Relapsing polychondritis on PET/CT

Clin Nucl Med. 2012 Jul;37(7):712-5. doi: 10.1097/rlu.0b013e31823eae56.

Abstract

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare multisystemic disease, which is characterized by recurrent inflammation of the cartilaginous structures. We report a case of a 37-year-old man with progressive respiratory distress. Chest Computed tomography (CT) demonstrated increased attenuation and smooth thickening of airway walls. Positron emission tomography/CT scan identified the multisystemic cartilaginous abnormalities that were recognized by an increased fluorine-18 deoxyglucose uptake on nasal cartilages, laryngeal cartilages, tracheobronchial tree, and rib cartilages. Positron emission tomography/CT is a useful tool to diagnose relapsing polychondritis, as the condition shows multisystemic cartilaginous abnormalities that can be identified by an increased fluorine-18 deoxyglucose uptake.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multimodal Imaging*
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / diagnostic imaging*
  • Polychondritis, Relapsing / drug therapy
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*
  • Whole Body Imaging

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones