Increased FDG Uptake of the Pectoral Girdle and Serratus Anterior Due to Wallpaper Stripping on PET/CT—Exquisite Demonstration of the Biomechanics

Abstract

According to published guidelines and routine procedures, patients are instructed to avoid strenuous exercise for 6 to 24 hours before FDG imaging, avoiding unfavorable muscular uptake. A 40-year-old man with esophageal carcinoma underwent FDG PET/CT for response assessment. Intense uptake was noted in the muscles of the right upper limb and chest. The patient stated he had avoided exercise before scanning. On further questioning, he was found to be a professional painter and decorator and had been working stripping wallpaper. Marked skeletal FDG uptake occurs in subjects who have strenuously exerted themselves before or after the injection of FDG.

Increased Genioglossus Muscle FDG Activity Due to Using Pacifier

“…Consequently, the submental activity was interpreted as genioglossus muscle activity due to sucking on a pacifier. Elevated FDG activity in the major muscles due to exertion is well-described [6][7][8][9][10] and rarely causes diagnostic dilemma. However, focal genioglossus muscle activity due to sucking in toddlers was much less recognized.…”