Detection of Esophageal Tuberculosis, a Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain, on 18F-FDG PET/CT

J Nucl Med Technol. 2024 Jun 5;52(2):179-180. doi: 10.2967/jnmt.123.266428.

Abstract

The esophagus is rarely affected by Mycobacterium A 75-y-old man presented with upper abdominal pain and significant weight loss for 2 mo. Contrast-enhanced CT, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and abdominal vessel angiography gave normal results. To clarify the facts, 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed, revealing an 18F-FDG-avid lesion in the posterior wall of the lower thoracic esophagus. On endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of this lesion, puslike material was released. On microscopic examination, acid-fast bacilli were noted. The patient then began receiving standard antitubercular therapy.

Keywords: 18F-FDG PET/CT; endoscopic ultrasound; esophageal tuberculosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abdominal Pain* / diagnostic imaging
  • Aged
  • Esophageal Diseases* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Tuberculosis / complications
  • Tuberculosis / diagnostic imaging

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18