COVID-19 vaccination may cause FDG uptake beyond axillary area

Abstract

Background: The vaccination immune response may induce false-positive 18F-FDG PET/CT uptake. Case presentation: An extended supraclavicular lymph nodal activation after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination revealed on 18F-FDG PET/CT mimics a Virchow nodule in a patient with medical history of well-differentiated appendicular adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: This case highlights a nodal activation beyond axillary area and the importance of documenting vaccination history at the time of scanning to avoid false-positive results.