Sarcoid reaction associated with Merkel cell carcinoma revealed by fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography: a case report
2011
Yuko Higashi,
1 Kentaro Mera,1 Mitsuyoshi Shimokawa,1 Mitsuhiro Hisadome,1 Atsunori Baba,1Shigeto Matsushita,1 Masakazu Yanagi,2 and Takuro Kanekura1
1 Kentaro Mera,1 Mitsuyoshi Shimokawa,1 Mitsuhiro Hisadome,1 Atsunori Baba,1Shigeto Matsushita,1 Masakazu Yanagi,2 and Takuro Kanekura1
Abstract
Introduction
Although the association between cancer and sarcoidosis or sarcoid reaction is known, sarcoid reaction associated with Merkel cell carcinoma is rare.
Case presentation
We report the case of a 57-year-old Japanese woman with Merkel cell carcinoma in the inguinal area associated with sarcoid reaction. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography demonstrated elevated fluorodeoxyglucose uptake by mediastinal lymph nodes and at the carcinoma site. Histopathologically, the mediastinal lymph nodes contained no Merkel cell carcinoma components. Sarcoid lesions were identified. Systemic examinations returned no sarcoidosis-specific findings.
Conclusion
Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomographic scans can be used to assess neoplastic lesions and depict sarcoidosis. Sarcoid reactions must be considered in the interpretation of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomographic scans.
