General Information:
A 76 year old male presented with a history of recently diagnosed non-small
cell lung carcinoma. The PET study was performed as part of an initial staging
work-up.
Imaging Procedure:
Following the injection of 554 MBq of FDG, images of the head, neck, and
torso were acquired with the GE Advance (7 minute emission, 2 minute transmission
per bed position). Data were reconstructed using an OSEM algorithm and
segmented attenuation correction. The PET study demonstrated marked increased
metabolic activity in the area of the primary lung tumor as well as uptake
in the right and left adrenal beds. Incidental FDG uptake is seen in the
abdomen in the area of a recently placed IVC filter.
Findings:
Adrenals are a common site of metastases in NSCLC, usually signaling widespread
disease. However, metastatic spread limited to only the adrenal gland(s)
can occur. In such cases, patients may benefit from surgical adrenalectomy
(1) and other curative treatment methods rather than a more conservative
approach or palliative care only. |
