Incidental 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in respiratory muscles in a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma

Abstract

A 60-year-old male patient, treated for Hodgkin lymphoma two years ago with ABVD protocol, was admitted for suspicion of relapse. 18F-FDG-PET/CT was performed and revealed incidental increased 18F-FDG uptake in virtually all respiratory muscles. The patient presented nonproductive cough and progressive dyspnea due to pulmonary fibrosis induced by Bleomycin. This case demonstrates that increased 18F-FDG uptake in muscles of respiration can be an indicator of respiratory dysfunction.