Increased FDG Uptake of the Pectoral Girdle and Serratus Anterior Due to Wallpaper Stripping on PET/CT-Exquisite Demonstration of the Biomechanics

According to published guidelines and routine procedures, patients are instructed to avoid strenuous exercise for 6 to 24 hours before FDG imaging, avoiding unfavorable muscular uptake. A 40-year-old man with esophageal carcinoma underwent FDG PET/CT for response assessment. Intense uptake was noted in the muscles of the right upper limb and chest. The patient stated he had avoided exercise before scanning. On further questioning, he was found to be a professional painter and decorator and had been working stripping wallpaper. Marked skeletal FDG uptake occurs in subjects who have strenuously exerted themselves before or after the injection of FDG.

Automated summary

Patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise before FDG imaging to prevent unfavorable muscular uptake. In this case, a professional painter and decorator experienced intense muscular uptake possibly due to the physical nature of his job.