18F-FDG Uptake in Subcutaneous Fat Preceding Clinical Diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Lipodystrophy

Clin Nucl Med. 2018 Dec;43(12):e475-e476. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000002298.

Abstract

A 62-year-old man with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on long-standing highly active antiretroviral therapy presented for F-FDG PET/CT evaluation of a pulmonary nodule. The examination showed unusual radiotracer distribution accumulating in the subcutaneous and visceral fat with low cerebral and skeletal muscle uptake. Imaging features were consistent with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, an unsuspected diagnosis that was later confirmed on physical examination. Recognition of HIV-associated lipodystrophy by the nuclear medicine physician is critical as altered biodistribution may affect diagnostic yield or be mistaken for infectious pathology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Subcutaneous Fat / diagnostic imaging*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18