Increased (18)F-FDG uptake of heterotopic pancreatitis in the small intestine: A CARE-compliant case report

BACKGROUD: Heterotopic pancreas (HP), a relatively uncommon congenital anomaly, is rarely noted during (18)F-FDG positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan. METHODS: A 60-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to a 10-day history of abdominal pain with elevated levels of serum amylase and lipase. Abdominal CT and ultrasound examinations were negative. In order to search for the cause, an (18)F-FDG PET/CT whole body scan was suggested to an old woman revealing the presence of (18)F-FDG accumulating nodule in small intestine. RESULTS: Surgical findings and pathologic results confirmed the diagnosis of small intestinal heterotopic pancreas with active chronic inflammation. CONCLUSION: This uncommon case underscores the necessity of considering heterotopic pancreatitis in small intestine with focal (18)F-FDG uptake as a possible differential diagnosis in intestinal tumor and tuberculosis.