Erythema nodosum associated with diffuse, large B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma detected by FDG PET

Clin Nucl Med. 2003 Aug;28(8):652-4. doi: 10.1097/01.RLU.0000079389.14140.be.

Abstract

A patient is described with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and erythematous skin nodules suspected to be erythema nodosum. The patient underwent serial fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), which demonstrated normalization of FDG uptake by the lymphoma after 2 cycles of chemotherapy, but there was new abnormal uptake involving the subcutaneous tissues of the lower extremities. A typical skin lesion was sampled and showed the appearance of erythema nodosum with no evidence of lymphoma. The FDG uptake gradually diminished on serial PET imaging after treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs. In view of the recognized association of erythema nodosum with malignancy and the differential rate of response to chemotherapy, the lesions of erythema nodosum may be a source of a false-positive PET interpretation, and histologic assessment should be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Erythema Nodosum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Erythema Nodosum / etiology*
  • Erythema Nodosum / pathology
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / complications*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed / methods
  • Whole-Body Counting / methods*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18