Impact of [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) imaging in sarcoidosis: unsuspected neurosarcoidosis discovered by [18F]-FDG PET and early metabolic response to corticosteroid therapy

Br J Radiol. 2007 Mar;80(951):e67-71. doi: 10.1259/bjr/33076108.

Abstract

A 46-year-old woman, with biopsy proven pulmonary sarcoidosis, was referred for an [18F]-FDG PET/CT scan that depicted multivisceral involvement and an unusual [18F]-FDG focus located in the pituitary fossa consistent with pituitary sarcoidosis. This was confirmed by decreased antidiuretic hormone blood levels and contrast-enhanced CT scan. This unsuspected neurosarcoidosis prompted corticosteroid therapy. A [18F]-FDG-PET/CT examination performed 10 weeks after initiation of treatment revealed complete recovery. It is suggested that the skull base should be included in the PET scanning of patients with sarcoidosis. [18F]-FDG imaging may be useful in the early evaluation of response to treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pituitary Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18