Pulmonary sclerosing haemangioma mimicking lung cancer on PET scan

Respirology. 2009 Aug;14(6):903-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2009.01559.x. Epub 2009 Jul 29.

Abstract

Sclerosing haemangioma is an uncommon lung tumour that typically presents as a solitary, peripheral pulmonary nodule in the lower lobe. Little is known of the appearance of these tumours on FDG-PET scan. We report two patients with sclerosing haemangioma with increased uptake on FDG-PET scan, which complicated the preoperative work-up. Although the CT scan features of these two masses were compatible with the differential diagnosis of sclerosing haemangioma, the central location and increased uptake on FDG-PET scan raised the suspicion of malignancy. We conclude that centrally located large sclerosing haemangiomas may be avid on FDG-PET scan, and that familiarity with this false positive finding helps in the diagnosis of a solitary pulmonary nodule.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung Neoplasms / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Pulmonary Sclerosing Hemangioma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pulmonary Sclerosing Hemangioma / pathology

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18