Not all that shines is cancer: pulmonary cryptococcosis mimicking lymphoma in [(18)] F fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography

Einstein (Sao Paulo). 2012 Oct-Dec;10(4):502-4. doi: 10.1590/s1679-45082012000400018.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

We report of a case of pulmonary cryptococcosis mimicking lymphoma in a positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scan. A 62-year old man with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma had complete resolution of abdominal and pulmonary lesions after three cycles of rituximab-based chemotherapy (R-CHOP). However, FDG-PET showed new pulmonary nodules, suggesting active lymphoma. Chronic inflammatory granuloma was seen in the histopathological exam, with round-shaped structures compatible with fungus, later identified as Cryptococcus neoformans on culture. The lesions disappeared after 6 weeks of fluconazole therapy, and the patient could continue chemotherapy without further infectious complications.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cryptococcosis / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases, Fungal / diagnosis*
  • Lymphoma / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18