FAPI PET Signal in Hibernoma Reflects FAP Expression in Tumor Vasculature Cells

Clin Nucl Med. 2023 Jul 1;48(7):e353-e355. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000004689. Epub 2023 May 6.

Abstract

A 43-year-old man with a growing mass in the right groin, concerned for liposarcoma, underwent MRI and 68 Ga-fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPI)-46 PET/CT before surgery. Fibroblast activation protein inhibitor PET/CT demonstrated increased uptake (SUV max , 3.2) predominantly in the solid portion, where MRI showed gadolinium enhancement. The patient subsequently underwent surgery and was diagnosed with hibernoma. The immunohistochemistry of the tumor revealed the fibroblast activation protein expression in the fibrovascular network and myofibroblastic cells of the tumor. This case suggests that the FAPI uptake can be affected by the vascular cells, and thus, a careful interpretation of the FAPI PET signal may be needed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Contrast Media*
  • Gadolinium
  • Gallium Radioisotopes
  • Humans
  • Lipoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Myofibroblasts
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Gadolinium
  • Gallium Radioisotopes