Clinically Occult Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Middle Turbinate Identified Using ¹⁸F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

We report a case of clinically occult diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the middle turbinate (MT) identified by ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) in a 71-year-old man along with imaging findings. DLBCL was presented with a hypermetabolic right MT [maximum standardized uptake values (SUV(max)) = 8.8 gm/dL] on ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT, while rhinologic examination was normal. CT showed nothing but slightly more intense enhancement of the right MT compared with the opposite side. The disease progressed during next 7 months until follow-up CT demonstrated solidly enhancing mass occupying entire right nasal cavity which was intensely hypermetabolic (SUV(max) = 12.8 gm/dL). Surgical biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. Follow-up CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT performed after chemotherapy demonstrated complete resolution of DLBCL of the right nasal cavity including the right MT. This is thought to be the first case report in the literature concerning clinically occult DLBCL presenting as a hypermetabolic MT on ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT.