FDG PET/CT in a Case of Diffuse Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Jun Zhang, Aisheng Dong, Yang Wang
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A patient with poorly differentiated esophageal squamous cell carcinoma presented with diffuse involvement of the entire esophagus. FDG PET/CT revealed irregular thickening of the esophageal wall and intense FDG uptake, with a maximum standardized uptake value (SUV max) of 15. Additionally, multiple FDG-avid lymph nodes and osteolytic bone metastases were identified, highlighting the advanced nature of the disease.
What made this case unusual
The case is notable for the diffuse FDG uptake pattern in esophageal cancer, which is typically characterized by focal intense uptake.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be aware that diffuse FDG uptake in esophageal cancer may indicate advanced disease, differing from the more common focal uptake patterns.
Why it matters
Recognizing atypical imaging findings can aid in the accurate assessment and staging of esophageal cancer, potentially influencing management decisions.