Korean J Radiol.  2013 Jun;14(3):400-402. 10.3348/kjr.2013.14.3.400.

Diffuse Intense 18F-FDG Uptake at PET in Unilateral Breast Related to Breastfeeding Practice

• Ko KH
• Jung HK
• Jeon TJ

• KMID: 1705450
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2013.14.3.400

Abstract

We present an interesting case of incidental diffuse fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake at PET in her left breast, related to atypical breastfeeding practice. Clinically, differential diagnoses of diffuse intense FDG uptake in unilateral breast include advanced breast cancer, breast lymphoma and inflammatory condition. However, normal physiologic lactation may also show increased FDG uptake in the breasts. Therefore, if we encounter that finding in daily practice, we should question the patient regarding unilateral breastfeeding. In addition, mammography and ultrasound would be helpful to confirm the diagnosis.

Keyword

FDG uptake; Lactating breast; Breastfeeding

MeSH Terms

Adult
Breast/*metabolism/radionuclide imaging
Breast Feeding/*methods
Breast Neoplasms/radionuclide imaging
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Fluorodeoxyglucose F18/diagnostic use/*pharmacokinetics
Humans
Lactation/metabolism
Lymphoma/radionuclide imaging
Mammography
Positron-Emission Tomography
Radiopharmaceuticals/diagnostic use/*pharmacokinetics
Ultrasonography, Mammary
Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
Radiopharmaceuticals

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 PET images were obtained 1 hour after intravenous injection of 10 mCi of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Diffuse intense FDG uptake in left breast was noted at axial (A), sagittal (B) and coronal (C) images. (D) On breast ultrasound, there was no mass or distortions. (E) Left breast was asymmetrically larger than her right breast without other abnormal findings on mammography.

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