Localization of Brown Tumors With 18 F-Fluorocholine PET/CT Imaging in Severe Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Abstract

We present the case of a 68-year-old woman with a painful tibial tumor and fatigue. Histology and laboratory studies were consistent with a brown tumor secondary to initially unrecognized, severe primary hyperparathyroidism. 18 F-fluorocholine PET/CT revealed a large hypermetabolic parathyroid mass and multiple bone foci considered as brown tumors. Unilateral neck exploration confirmed a large parathyroid adenoma. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels normalized quickly, and symptoms subsided gradually after parathyroidectomy. Brown tumors are a rare complication of severe hyperparathyroidism. 18 F-fluorocholine PET/CT allows the localization of parathyroid adenomas and brown tumors, and can be used as a single imaging modality.