AUTHOR=Vangu Mboyo Di Tamba , Momodu Jaleelat I. 

TITLE=Imaging Lymphoma With F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose PET-CT: What Should Be Known About Normal Variants, Pitfalls, and Artifacts?

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Nuclear Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 1 - 2021

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nuclear-medicine/articles/10.3389/fnume.2021.826046

DOI=10.3389/fnume.2021.826046

ISSN=2673-8880

ABSTRACT=F-18 FDG PET/CT has gained popularity in the management of many types of malignancies. Today, imaging patients with lymphoma using of F-18 FDG PET/CT is not only considered as a state-of-the-art tool but has also taken a central place for therapeutic decisions.  In fact, accurate staging at diagnosis is imperative to prevent undertreatment of individuals with advanced disease. In Hodgkin lymphoma in particular, current role of interim F-18 FDG PET imaging goes beyond speculations in the adaptation of different therapeutic strategies. Therefore, the use of such critical imaging modality should go hands to hands with sound interpretation that provides accurate results. As the number patients referred for PET/CT continues to increase, imaging specialists should remain aware of the inherent limitations linked to the integrated imaging system that may introduce potential pitfalls related to the machine or the administered F-18 FDG. Knowledge of the normal physiologic biodistribution of F-18 FDG, its physiologic variants as well as of all the potential pitfalls and artifacts are paramount to avoid misinterpretation. Recognition of the limitations of F-18 FDG PET/CT will increase confidence of practicing clinicians on the modality and impact positively on the management of patients.
In this article, we will review the normal physiological variants, technical artifacts, and diagnostic pitfalls in lymphoma. Highlighting the limitations of F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging should warn interpreting specialists to find measures that mitigate them and improve reporting results.