Spectrum of Physiologic and Pathologic Skeletal Muscle 18F-FDG Uptake on PET/CT

OBJECTIVE. Skeletal muscle F-18-FDG uptake on PET/CT can be either physiologic or related to a variety of different pathologic conditions. FDG PET/CT can be used for assessment of primary and metastatic tumors and infective or inflammatory conditions affecting the musculature. CONCLUSION. In this article, we describe the various causes and patterns of skeletal muscle FDG uptake. Familiarity with these patterns is essential for proper interpretation of clinical FDG PET/CT images.