A case of pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma with low (18)FDG uptake in PET

Abstract

Pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma (PSH) is a relatively rare benign neoplasm, often asymptomatic and presenting as a solitary pulmonary nodule on radiological imaging studies. In the present case report, we examined a case of PSH in a young adult female, and reviewed the literature pertaining to PSH with an emphasis on (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)FDG PET/CT) and pathology. Immunohistochemical staining was also performed to confirm the diagnosis of sclerosing hemangioma. The results revealed that the tumor cells were immunopositive for epithelial membrane antigen, thyroid transcription factor-1 and vimentin and cytoskeleton 7. The patient recovered and was discharged. Thus, (18)FDG PET/CT may be used in the diagnosis of a solitary benign pulmonary nodule.

Figure 1

Chest computed tomography (CT) on admission shows a mass with an irregular margin, and which is slightly lobulated in the right lower lobe.

Figure 2

Contrast-enhanced CT image of the thorax with mediastinal windows showing the clearly lobulated mass as a hypervascular lesion. CT, computed tomography.

Figure 3

FDG-PET/CT imaging shows a well-defined nodule with low FDG uptake. FDG-PET/CT, F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

Figure 4

Microscopic histopathological image of the sclerosing hemangioma shows typical histological patterns that characterize sclerosing hemangioma of the lung.