CTICasesFDG-Labeled Pulmonary Embolus (Hot Clot)
Imaging findings
PET/CT demonstrates a focal, extremely intense area of FDG uptake (high SUV) in a branch of the pulmonary artery. A diagnostic contrast-enhanced chest CT performed at the same time shows no anatomic correlate, thrombus, or mass in that region.
Key takeaways
A 'hot clot' is a well-known nuclear medicine artifact that occurs during FDG injection when a small blood clot forms in the venous catheter, becomes highly labeled with the tracer, and subsequently embolizes to the pulmonary arterial bed. It presents as an intense, isolated focus of FDG uptake on PET without a corresponding lesion on CT.
AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more
More from this webinar
- Thesaurisosis (Hairspray-Induced Lung Disease)Exposure
- Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative DisorderNeoplastic
- Altitude-Related Peri-Implant GasArtifact
- Primary Pericardial Synovial SarcomaNeoplastic
- Intrapericardial Sternal Wire MigrationIatrogenic
- Pleural SchwannomaNeoplastic
- Congenital Absence of the Left PericardiumCongenital
- Malpositioned Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump CatheterIatrogenic
See all cases from February 23, 2018 →