Sarcoid-like histiocytic proliferations in lymphoma patients can be PET-avid concerning for refractory or recurrent disease

Publication date: Available online 30 August 2019Source: Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and LeukemiaAuthor(s): Zuzan Cayci, Kerem Ozturk, Celalettin Ustun, Aazim K. Omer, Erhan Dincer, Zohar Sachs, Bruce A. Peterson, Michael A. LindenAbstractSarcoidosis has been shown to be associated with increased risk of development of several malignancies including lymphomas. On the other hand, “sarcoid-like reactions” in the absence of other clinical signs of sarcoidosis, have also been described in patients who had been treated with chemotherapy for a wide variety of malignancies. In this article, we report 3 cases who had PET-CT scans concerning for recurrence of the disease after receiving therapy for lymphoma. Upon further investigation, patients were found to have FDG avidity secondary to sarcoid-like reactions, rather than a recurrence of the lymphoma. Although PET imaging is extremely useful in the management of lymphoma, they need to be interpreted with caution. Any FDG avid finding that is suspicious for recurrence need to be thoroughly investigated, likely with histologic confirmation.
Source: Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: research