The Role and Pitfall of F18-FDG PET/CT in Surveillance of High Grade Pulmonary Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis

Curr Probl Diagn Radiol. 2021 May-Jun;50(3):443-449. doi: 10.1067/j.cpradiol.2019.02.002. Epub 2019 Feb 10.

Abstract

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LYG) is an uncommon angiocentric and angiodestructive T-cell rich, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive B-cell multisystem lymphoproliferative disorder, predominately affecting the lungs. Since both clinical presentation and radiographic imaging findings, including X-ray and computed tomographic (CT), are nonspecific, the ultimate diagnosis of LYG relies on lung tissue sample diagnosis with its WHO grading based on the degree of cytologic atypia, necrosis and density of EBV positive B-cells. In addition, its histopathologic grading is correlated with clinical manifestation with high grade LYG mimicking aggressive B-cell lymphoma. Discordant grading between pulmonary and cutaneous LYG lesion has have been observed and might be a potential diagnostic and prognostic pitfall. F18-FDG PET/CT has been used to monitor disease progression and treatment response. In this study, we reviewed and summarized the clinical role of F18-FDG PET/CT in the surveillance of high grade pulmonary LYG, and examined its limitations in grading multisystem LYG.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections*
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human
  • Humans
  • Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis* / diagnostic imaging
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18