Lymphoma mimicking a psoas abscess on Ga-67 scintigraphy

Psoas abscess is a rare and serious clinical condition that causes no specific signs or symptoms. A specific Ga-67 uptake pattern, in addition to typical findings of an abdominal abscess on ultrasound and a characteristic computed tomographic (CT) scan pattern, may provide useful information for diagnosing this condition. Either psoas abscess or lymphoma must be considered when an abnormal abdominal Ga-67 uptake is interpreted. Ga-67 scanning also has proved useful for the diagnosis of lymphomas and their follow-up after treatment. The authors describe a patient with an abdominal mass in whom a typical Ga-67 uptake pattern of a psoas abscess corresponded to lymphoma.