IATROGENIC PULMONARY EMBOLISM ON 18FDG PET/CT IMAGING

Abstract

A 27-year-old girl, known case of lymphoma underwent ¹⁸FDG PET/CT for surveillance. Scan shows solitary intense ¹⁸FDG uptake in lower lobe of left lung without abnormality on CT.  Repeat study done next day did not demonstrate that focal lung uptake and was diagnosed as iatrogenic pulmonary embolism (IPE). Reporting physicians must be cognizant of this uncommon but important condition as failure to diagnose could result in catastrophic consequences. Pathogenesis include uptake by a pre-existing inflammatory vascular thrombus or an iatrogenic microembolism formed during injection of the radiotracer. ¹⁸FDG administration at steady pace through IV cannula is advised to avoid IPE.