Uptake of 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose in uterine leiomyoma: imaging of four patients by coincidence positron emission tomography

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomas, benign tumours of the human uterus, are the most common uterine neoplasm and are composed of smooth muscle with varying amounts of fibrous connective tissue. As a functional imaging modality, 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography can be used to obtain information about glucose metabolism in tissues. In this study, the findings of the 18F-FDG scans of four patients who were suspected of having malignant gynaecological tumours because of clinical and radiological findings and finally diagnosed as uterine leiomyoma based on histopathological examination were evaluated. Moderately intense 18F-FDG accumulation was detected in uterine mass localization in lower pelvis. The reason for the accumulation of 18F-FDG in uterine leiomyomas is not known. It may be explained by the existence of higher levels of growth factors, including basic fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and receptors, and proliferation of smooth muscle cells in leiomatous uterus.