Misleading FDG Uptake in Oncology Assessment: Beyond COVID-19 Vaccination-The Role of Pneumococcal Vaccination

Clin Nucl Med. 2024 Mar 1;49(3):283-284. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000005049. Epub 2024 Jan 22.

Abstract

Here, we report the case of a 35-year-old woman who performed PET/CT 18F-FDG as an initial workup for HER2+ right breast invasive ductal carcinoma. Examination revealed multifocal breast involvement with homolateral lymph node involvement. Contralateral axillary adenopathy and diffuse splenic and osteomedullary hypermetabolism were also observed, suggesting associated lymphoma in the absence of a recent COVID-19 vaccination. Cytopuncture was discussed and finally postponed after the patient was found to have recently received a pneumococcal vaccination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Neoplasms* / pathology
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19*
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / pathology
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Vaccination

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Radiopharmaceuticals