Clinical History

This is a 36 year-old male patient with probable cholangiocarcinoma.

Technique

The patient was administered 10 mCi of F18 labeled Fluorodeoxyglucose and 45 minutes post infusion whole body imaging was performed. Multiple table positions were utilized and a volume 3D reconstruction was performed with standard coronal, sagittal and transaxial images.

Findings

The whole body study demonstrates multiple abnormal foci of uptake. Increased uptake is identified in both axilla with abnormal uptake also identified in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine and pelvis. Abnormal uptake is seen in the lower cervical spine, in the mid thoracic spine at approximately the level of T5, T6, and T8, and in the lower lumbar spine at approximately T10 and T12, and possibly L1. There is also abnormal uptake identified in the left iliac crest, and in the region of the SI joints bilaterally. There are two abnormal foci of uptake seen posterior upper ribs. There is a focus of abnormal uptake seen in the region of subcarinal nodes, however no CT study of this area is available for comparison. There is intense uptake of activity in the liver including the region of the porta and medial aspect of the left lobe of the liver. There is also abnormal uptake seen inferior to the liver, in the region of the head of the pancreas, and periaortic nodes to the left of midline and possibly mesenteric nodes in the right abdomen.

Impressions

MULTIPLE ABNORMAL SITES OF FDG UPTAKE AS DESCRIBED ABOVE. MRI COULD BE USEFUL TO EVALUATE THE ABNORMAL SITES IDENTIFIED IN THE THORACIC AND LUMBAR SPINE IF CLINICALLY INDICATED. THIS DISTRIBUTION OF ABNORMAL UPTAKE WOULD BE SOMEWHAT UNUSUAL FOR CHOLANGIOCARCINOMA, AND THIS WIDE DISTRIBUTION OF ACTIVITY IN VARIOUS NODES AND BONE COULD BE SEEN IN LYMPHOMA, MELANOMA, OR METASTATIC DISEASE FROM LUNG OR COLON.

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