Nuklearmedizin 2025; 64(04): 272-273
DOI: 10.1055/a-2606-2105
Case Report

From Metastases to Splenosis: Resolving SSR PET Pitfalls with Tc-99m-Labeled Denatured Red Blood Cell Scintigraphy

Von Metastasen zu Splenose: Diagnostische Fallstricke der SSR-PET durch Tc-99m-markierte denaturierte Erythrozytenszintigrafie aufgelöst
Michael Christian Marius Gammel
1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, München, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN27190)
,
Kimberley Hansen
1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, München, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN27190)
,
Wolfgang Weber
1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, München, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN27190)
,
Isabel Rauscher
1   Klinik und Poliklinik für Nuklearmedizin, Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, München, Germany (Ringgold ID: RIN27190)
› Author Affiliations
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Introduction

Somatostatin receptor (SSR) PET/CT is highly sensitive in detecting neuroendocrine tumors, most commonly originating from pancreatic-gastrointestinal tract and lung but can produce false positives due to benign conditions like splenosis [1]. Splenosis, the autotransplantation of splenic tissue after trauma or splenectomy, can mimic metastases on imaging [2]. Tc-99m-labeled denatured red blood cell scintigraphy is a reliable method to confirm ectopic splenic tissue, preventing unnecessary invasive procedures. However, literature on this diagnostic challenge is rare, underscoring the need for greater awareness of benign SSR PET/CT uptake patterns to avoid misdiagnosis. This case demonstrates the role of spleen scintigraphy in clarifying SSR PET/CT findings in a patient with lung carcinoid.



Publication History

Received: 12 April 2025

Accepted: 09 May 2025

Article published online:
06 August 2025

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