Metformin bowel (FDG PET-CT)

Case contributed by David Little
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Known diabetic patient. Lymphoma end of treatment PET-CT.

Patient Data

Age: 65 years
Gender: Female

F18 FDG PET-CT

Nuclear medicine

Diffuse increased uptake seen throughout the bowel is likely related to metformin.

No other abnormality.

Case Discussion

Metformin often leads to marked increased uptake throughout the bowel on F18 FDG PET-CT. This can mask underlying colonic lesions and also makes interpretation of the abdomen and pelvis more difficult due to 'noise' of background bowel, which can mask peritoneal deposits.

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