Glucocorticoid-Induced Hypermetabolism in White Adipose Tissue in Cushing Syndrome

J Nucl Med Technol. 2020 Sep;48(3):285-286. doi: 10.2967/jnmt.119.237545. Epub 2019 Dec 6.

Abstract

An adult lymphoma patient developed Cushing syndrome after short-term, high-dose dexamethasone administration and presented with a distinctive Cushingoid fat redistribution pattern and associated increased 18F-FDG uptake in white adipose tissue. Recognition of the unique 18F-FDG uptake manifestation may aid in the diagnosis of this iatrogenic syndrome and avoid image misinterpretation.

Keywords: Cushing syndrome; FDG; PET/CT; glucocorticoids; white fat.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue, White / diagnostic imaging
  • Adipose Tissue, White / drug effects*
  • Adipose Tissue, White / metabolism*
  • Biological Transport / drug effects
  • Cushing Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Cushing Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
  • Cushing Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18 / metabolism
  • Glucocorticoids / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18