Krukenburg tumors arising from rare primary sites: Role of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography in management and outcome

Abstract

Krukenberg tumors described by Friedrich Ernst Krukenberg are still fascinating for their mysterious origin. It is known to be a rare entity and commonly originates from adenocarcinoma of stomach. We present three interestingly rare cases of this entity, revealed by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18 FDG-PET/CT) scan and discuss how F-18 FDG-PET/CT can prognosticate, alter the course of treatment in such patients. Ovarian metastatic deposits were detected in patients with renal cell, duodenal, and gall bladder carcinoma. Three visits were possible in patient with duodenal cancer (favorable response to therapy), two visits in renal cell cancer (progressive disease pattern) and only single visit for gall bladder cancer. Potentials of F-18 FDG-PET/CT scan for Krukenberg disease is still in exploratory phase, but it's applications in diagnosis, disease monitoring, therapeutic response monitoring, and prognosticating are unparalleled with other imaging modalities.

Renal Cell Carcinoma Mimicking with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis and Krukenberg Tumor

“…Peritoneal carcinomatosis with KT is uncommon in RCC. [ 6 7 ] Many theories have been postulated regarding KT such as transcoelomic spread, peritoneal fluid circulation, fluid redistribution secondary to gravity, and translymphatic peritoneal dissemination by lymphatic stomata. [ 8 ] However, the exact mechanism of the possible spread of peritoneal involvement is not fully understood.…”