FDG PET/CT of Gardnerella vaginalis Infection

Clin Nucl Med. 2019 Aug;44(8):660-662. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000002623.

Abstract

We report the case of a 23-year-old woman with a history of cystic fibrosis and bilung transplantation, who presented clinically cervical swollen lymph nodes with alteration of her general state. F-FDG PET/CT was performed because of lymphoma suspicion and showed cervical and pelvic hypermetabolic lymphadenopathies, with linear vaginal hypermetabolism. There was an increase of lactate dehydrogenase, and Epstein-Barr virus detection was negative. A right cervical lymph node biopsy was performed, with no lymphoma involvement. Complementary microbiological investigations showed positive results for Gardnerella vaginalis. F-FDG PET/CT lymphatic node hypermetabolism is not specific to lymphoma, particularly in immunocompromised patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Gardnerella vaginalis
  • Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Vaginosis, Bacterial / diagnostic imaging*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18