Early detection of cardiac sarcoid lesions with 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography

Abstract

In April 2005, a 72-year-old woman with pulmonary sarcoidosis exhibited focal 18F-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (18F-FDG) uptake in her heart on 18F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET). Although Japanese guidelines for diagnosing cardiac sarcoidosis were not met at this point, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging became diagnostic for cardiac sarcoidosis 1 year later. In the present case report, the potential of 18F-FDG PET in the early recognition of cardiac sarcoidosis in comparison with other imaging modalities is discussed. © 2011 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.