18F-FDG PET/CT Scan Can Predate Clinical Presentation in Acute Appendicitis

Abstract

Acute appendicitis is a clinical diagnosis typically presenting with right lower quadrant pain. We describe the case of an asymptomatic 53-year-old man with stage 2A diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, who underwent F-FDG PET/CT at the completion of chemotherapy. The scan showed complete lymphomatous disease remission. Incidentally, there was increased FDG uptake in a tubular structure adjacent to the cecum. Clinical examination was negative. Subsequently, the patient presented 6 days later with typical acute appendicitis symptoms. This case is interesting wherein increased FDG uptake in the appendix predated the appearance of clinical symptoms.