Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection with the Omicron Variant Mimicking Metastatic Cancer on Whole-Body 18-F FDG PET/CT Imaging

We present a case with unusual findings on nuclear imaging after mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. During evaluation for an incidentaloma, 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography imaging showed activity in the thyroid gland, in the lower thoracic spinal column, in portal lym...

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Main Authors: Gunnhild Helmsdal, Sissal Clemmensen, Jann Mortensen, Marnar Fríðheim Kristiansen, Maria Skaalum Petersen, Herborg L. Johannesen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:COVID
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8112/5/7/98
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author Gunnhild Helmsdal
Sissal Clemmensen
Jann Mortensen
Marnar Fríðheim Kristiansen
Maria Skaalum Petersen
Herborg L. Johannesen
author_facet Gunnhild Helmsdal
Sissal Clemmensen
Jann Mortensen
Marnar Fríðheim Kristiansen
Maria Skaalum Petersen
Herborg L. Johannesen
author_sort Gunnhild Helmsdal
collection DOAJ
description We present a case with unusual findings on nuclear imaging after mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. During evaluation for an incidentaloma, 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography imaging showed activity in the thyroid gland, in the lower thoracic spinal column, in portal lymph nodes, and in the terminal ileum and surrounding lymph nodes, all suspicious for metastatic cancer. The patient underwent extensive invasive and non-invasive diagnostic procedures, including biopsies of all the suspicious foci, only showing a small low-grade thyroid cancer that would often be followed and not immediately operated on. Three months later, the findings had either disappeared or were considered reactive. The patient later recalled having had mild COVID-19 seven days prior to the PET/CT.
format Article
id doaj-art-3c3ed113a9684a4fac54a32cce343553
institution Kabale University
issn 2673-8112
language English
publishDate 2025-06-01
publisher MDPI AG
record_format Article
series COVID
spelling doaj-art-3c3ed113a9684a4fac54a32cce3435532025-08-20T03:58:30ZengMDPI AGCOVID2673-81122025-06-01579810.3390/covid5070098Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection with the Omicron Variant Mimicking Metastatic Cancer on Whole-Body 18-F FDG PET/CT ImagingGunnhild Helmsdal0Sissal Clemmensen1Jann Mortensen2Marnar Fríðheim Kristiansen3Maria Skaalum Petersen4Herborg L. Johannesen5Department of Health Research, National Hospital Faroe Islands, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe IslandsDepartment of Health Research, National Hospital Faroe Islands, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe IslandsRigshospitalet Klinik for Klinisk Fysiologi Nuklearmedicin og PET, DK-2200 Copenhagen, DenmarkDepartment of Health Research, National Hospital Faroe Islands, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe IslandsDepartment of Health Research, National Hospital Faroe Islands, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe IslandsDepartment of Health Research, National Hospital Faroe Islands, FO-100 Tórshavn, Faroe IslandsWe present a case with unusual findings on nuclear imaging after mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. During evaluation for an incidentaloma, 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography imaging showed activity in the thyroid gland, in the lower thoracic spinal column, in portal lymph nodes, and in the terminal ileum and surrounding lymph nodes, all suspicious for metastatic cancer. The patient underwent extensive invasive and non-invasive diagnostic procedures, including biopsies of all the suspicious foci, only showing a small low-grade thyroid cancer that would often be followed and not immediately operated on. Three months later, the findings had either disappeared or were considered reactive. The patient later recalled having had mild COVID-19 seven days prior to the PET/CT.https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8112/5/7/9818-F FDG PET/CTCOVID-19SARS-CoV-2Omicroninflammationmetastatic disease
spellingShingle Gunnhild Helmsdal
Sissal Clemmensen
Jann Mortensen
Marnar Fríðheim Kristiansen
Maria Skaalum Petersen
Herborg L. Johannesen
Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection with the Omicron Variant Mimicking Metastatic Cancer on Whole-Body 18-F FDG PET/CT Imaging
COVID
18-F FDG PET/CT
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Omicron
inflammation
metastatic disease
title Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection with the Omicron Variant Mimicking Metastatic Cancer on Whole-Body 18-F FDG PET/CT Imaging
title_full Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection with the Omicron Variant Mimicking Metastatic Cancer on Whole-Body 18-F FDG PET/CT Imaging
title_fullStr Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection with the Omicron Variant Mimicking Metastatic Cancer on Whole-Body 18-F FDG PET/CT Imaging
title_full_unstemmed Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection with the Omicron Variant Mimicking Metastatic Cancer on Whole-Body 18-F FDG PET/CT Imaging
title_short Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection with the Omicron Variant Mimicking Metastatic Cancer on Whole-Body 18-F FDG PET/CT Imaging
title_sort mild sars cov 2 infection with the omicron variant mimicking metastatic cancer on whole body 18 f fdg pet ct imaging
topic 18-F FDG PET/CT
COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2
Omicron
inflammation
metastatic disease
url https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8112/5/7/98
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