Retroperitoneal Inflammation Detected on FDG PET/CT in Patient on Long-Term Immunotherapy

Clin Nucl Med. 2023 Apr 1;48(4):e165-e166. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000004513. Epub 2023 Feb 1.

Abstract

A 68-year-old man with a history of pulmonary adenocarcinoma on maintenance pembrolizumab presented for surveillance imaging. 18 F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated new ill-defined right retroperitoneal and presacral soft tissue stranding with associated FDG uptake suggestive of inflammation. Biopsy results revealed fibroadipose tissue with extensive lymphoplasmacytic inflammation concerning for immunotherapy-related toxicity. The patient was subsequently taken off pembrolizumab, which he had been on for approximately 3 years. Recognition of immunotherapy-related adverse effects and how they can manifest on 18 F-FDG PET/CT is important for prompt cessation of treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / adverse effects
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Lung Neoplasms*
  • Male
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography* / methods
  • Radiopharmaceuticals

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Radiopharmaceuticals