Anthracosis mimicking mediastinal lymph node metastases with 18F-FCholine in high-risk prostate cancer

Clin Nucl Med. 2015 Apr;40(4):e253-4. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000000707.

Abstract

A 62-year-old patient with prostate adenocarcinoma underwent PET with radiolabeled choline (18F-Fcholine) for pretreatment staging of a high-risk prostate cancer. Images showed a significant mediastinal lymph node uptake of 18F-Fcholine. Owing to the rarity of spread to supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes, a surgical removal was performed, revealing anthracosis and no malignant cells. Even if its specificity seems better than 18F-FDG, false positives have been reported and other pathologies could mimic lymph node metastases. Consequently, histology should be performed so that the appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Anthracosis / diagnostic imaging*
  • Choline / analogs & derivatives*
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic Metastasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Mediastinum / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • fluorocholine
  • Choline