Airway involvement of relapsing polychondritis revealed by 18F-fluoride PET/CT

Osteitis Fibrosa Cystica Caused by Hyperparathyroidism Shown on 18F-NaF PET/CT

F-NaF PET/CT in hyperparathyroidism and osteitis fibrosa cystica is rarely reported. We report the case of a 16-year-old boy who underwent NaF PET/CT for the evaluation of bilateral bone destruction, which was incidentally noted on an abdominal x-ray. The PET/CT images identified multiple bony abnormalities in the skull, pelvis, and limbs. In addition, a hypodense nodule was found posterior to the inferior pole of the right lobe of thyroid gland. Subsequent Tc-sestamibi imaging showed abnormal uptake in the neck nodule, which was confirmed as parathyroid adenoma by the pathology.

18F-FDG PET/CT is an ideal imaging modality for the early diagnosis of relapsing polychondritis: A case report

BACKGROUND

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that may affect multiple cartilage throughout the body.

CASE REPORT

We report on a middle-aged man presented with cough, chest tightness, and fever of unknown origin, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-FDG PET/CT) was performed. And the imaging shows multiple increased FDG accumulation in tracheobronchial tree and all intercostal cartilages, as well as in nasal, right auricule, laryngeal cartilage. Based on the findings, the diagnosis of RP was made.

CONCLUSION

Our case demonstrates that FDG PET/CT is an useful diagnostic tool to accurately determine the extent of inflammation throughout the body and to guiding the selection of a biopsy site.