Breast cyst simulating metastases on iodine-131 imaging in thyroid carcinoma

J Nucl Med. 1998 Nov;39(11):1910-2.

Abstract

False-positive radioiodine uptake has been reported in many organ systems. We describe a female patient who had mixed papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma, and on radioiodine total-body imaging demonstrated focal, lower-right chest uptake. Special prone imaging with the right breast dependent proved that the uptake was inside the right breast. Review of a recent breast ultrasound and mammograms showed this uptake to correspond to a large breast cyst. It is known that 131I breast uptake may be functional within the mammary gland. In this patient, it was due to retention within the cyst after the background activity decreased. Knowledge of this phenomenon may improve the interpretation of total-body 131INa studies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Breast Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Carcinoma, Papillary, Follicular / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carcinoma, Papillary, Follicular / secondary*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Fibrocystic Breast Disease / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes*
  • Middle Aged
  • Radionuclide Imaging
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes