Pulmonary Tc99m-PSMA uptake in asymptomatic COVID-19 patient: incidental finding in SPECT/CT study

ABSTRACT

Background: As there are comparative studies between 68Ga-PSMA and 99mTc-PSMA and spectrum of PSMA expression, this is the first case report that notifies distribution of 99mTc-PSMA on COVID-19 pneumonia era on the literature. Case presentation An asymptomatic 70-Y-old male who is known case of prostate adenocarcinoma underwent initial staging. SPECT/CT of the chest region reveals bilateral peripheral multifocal ground glass opacities which shows 99mTc-PSMA uptake. Diagnosis of corona virus was confirmed by positive RT-PCR. Discussion: Unexclusive role of radiotracers in nuclear medicine has an importance for wide range of applications. Comparison between 68Ga-PSMA and 99mTc-PSMA in detection of metastatic disease in prostate cancer is also under evaluation. Conclusions: This case implicates possible role of PSMA imaging in inflammation/infection process as well as necessity for lung review in hybrid imaging especially during this recent pandemic.