Unveiling hidden trails: The crucial role of 2-[¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT scan in detecting rare pathologies like B Cell acute lymphocytic leukemia in a young girl presented with pyrexia of unknown origin

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Army Hospital Research and Referral, New Delhi, India

2 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Central Command Hospital, Lucknow, India

3 Department of Nuclear Medicine, Eastern Command Hospital, Kolkata, India

4 Department of Pathology and Lab Science, Army Hospital Research and Referral, New Delhi, India

5 Department of Hematology, Army Hospital Research and Referral, New Delhi, India

10.22034/irjnm.2025.129892.1660

Abstract

This case report illuminates the pivotal role of 2-[¹⁸F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT (Positron emission tomography integrated with computed tomography) scan in diagnosing uncommon and elusive pathologies. Through the detailed exploration of a challenging case, we underscore the significance of this imaging modality in unravelling diagnostic mysteries, guiding clinical decision-making, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. This case highlights the importance of considering haematological malignancies in the differential diagnosis of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO), especially when accompanied by cytopenia and bone abnormalities. PET/CT scan revealed extent of disease involvement, it also guided to determine the site of bone marrow biopsy and to decide treatment protocol as well as in response assessment.

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