18F-FDG Muscular Uptake in Statin-Associated Symptoms Without Myositis How Long to Stop Treatment for Image Quality Improvement?

Statin-associated muscle symptoms are a frequent adverse effect of statin treatment and can lead to a statin-associated myopathy characterized by a significant serum creatine kinase increase. We report the case of an 80-year-old man who presented an increased muscular F-18-FDG uptake in a statin-associated muscle symptom without creatine kinase abnormality or inflammation. Statin treatment was discontinued for 6 hours, 3 days, and 7 days on consecutive follow-up examinations. The 1-week window clearly enhanced image quality. This case illustrates the possibility of diffuse muscular F-18-FDG uptake without myositis and the need for a minimal 1-week statin discontinuation to reduce muscular uptake.

Automated summary

This case illustrates the possibility of increased muscular F-18-FDG uptake without myositis in patients with statin-associated muscle symptoms. Discontinuation of statin treatment for one week can reduce muscular uptake.