Imaging of a thymoma incidentally detected by C-11 choline PET/CT

Clin Nucl Med. 2011 Feb;36(2):134-5. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0b013e318203bc63.

Abstract

The integrated modality positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with C-11 choline is an established diagnostic tool for restaging prostate cancer patients with a biochemical failure after primary treatment. Thymoma is a rare tumor originating in thymus epithelial cells, asymptomatic in one-third to one-half of patients, and often occurring in the fourth and fifth decades of life. In the present case, C-11 choline PET/CT was performed in a prostate cancer patient with a biochemical relapse, to restage the disease. In addition to the detection of local recurrent disease in prostatic fossa, an abnormal C-11 choline increased uptake in mediastinum was reported. The mediastinal finding was initially wrongly interpreted by clinicians as a lymph nodal metastasis from prostate cancer. However, histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of a thymoma. Although rare, thymoma has to be considered as differential diagnosis in case of mediastinal masses presenting C-11 choline PET/CT positive findings, to avoid inappropriate patient management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carbon Radioisotopes
  • Choline*
  • Humans
  • Incidental Findings*
  • Male
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Thymoma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thymoma / pathology
  • Thymoma / physiopathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*

Substances

  • Carbon Radioisotopes
  • Choline