Iodine Avid Muscle Metastases Mimicking Skeletal Lesions on Whole-Body Iodine Scan in Poorly Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma -SPECT/CT to the Rescue.
Amisha Jamwal, Raza A Mahdi, Swayamjeet Satapathy et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A patient with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) presented with multifocal muscle metastases that were iodine-avid, leading to confusion with skeletal lesions on whole-body iodine scans. The use of SPECT/CT imaging clarified the diagnosis by accurately localizing the abnormal tracer activity, distinguishing muscle metastases from bone involvement. This case highlights the importance of advanced imaging techniques in complex presentations.
What made this case unusual
This case is notable for the rare occurrence of iodine-avid muscle metastases in poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, which has not been previously reported.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should consider the possibility of muscle metastases in patients with poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, especially when interpreting iodine scans, as they can mimic skeletal lesions.
Why it matters
Understanding the potential for muscle metastases in PDTC can prevent misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate management strategies are employed.