Flare phenomenon in positron emission tomography in a case of breast cancer--a pitfall of positron emission tomography imaging interpretation

Clin Imaging. 2009 Nov-Dec;33(6):468-70. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2009.02.001.

Abstract

We present an unusual case of breast cancer with increased FDG uptake 4 months after chemotherapy. A PET-CT scan displayed results that mimicked multiple lymph node metastases in the right axilla, the mediastinum, and the bilateral pulmonary hilar regions. However, the increased FDG uptake disappeared 17 months later without any additional medical treatment, suggesting the occurrence of flare phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Artifacts*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18* / pharmacokinetics
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymph Nodes / metabolism
  • Lymphatic Metastasis
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18