'False-Positive' Uptake of FDG in a Hepatic Adenoma

Abstract

Positron emission tomography using F-18 FDG is becoming a very useful test in the evaluation of many tumors because of its high sensitivity and specificity. However, on rare occasions, it may be difficult to differentiate a neoplasm from a benign lesion. This article describes increased metabolic activity in a hepatic mass found on a routine follow-up CT examination of the abdomen in a 41-year-old woman with a history of bilateral breast carcinoma. Based on an elevated differential uptake ratio of 4.2, the lesion was thought to be consistent with a metastatic tumor. The hepatic mass was removed surgically and proved to be a hepatic adenoma.