Rim of FDG Uptake Around a Pulmonary Infarct on PET/CT in a Patient With Unsuspected Pulmonary Embolism

Evaluation of malignancies by positron emission tomography/computed tomography has revolutionized the noninvasive approach to cancer diagnosis and management. However, demonstration of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avidity is not synonymous with a malignant finding since a wide variety of nonmalignant conditions have been reported which demonstrate FDG uptake. We report an asymptomatic patient with an atypical pattern of moderate FDG uptake along the border of a pleural based opacity at the lung base on positron emission tomography/computed tomography, suggesting the presence of a pulmonary infarct. Awareness of this appearance is important, since this pattern may indicate underlying pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition.