Uterine fibroids with positive (18)F-FDG PET/CT image and significantly increased CA19-9: A case report

RATIONALE: Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic solid tumors and common to 25% of women. (18)F-fluorodexyglucose ((18)F-FDG) is an energy metabolism tracer. Although FDG is generally concentrated in malignant lesions with high glucose metabolism, it can also accumulate in normal tissues, benign lesions, and inflammatory sites. The exact mechanism of FDG uptake by uterine fibroids is not clear. Here, we report a case of uterine fibroids with positive (18)F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging and significantly increased CA19-9. PATIENTS CONCERNS: The patient was a 43-year-old woman and admitted to our hospital because of “1-year-extended menstrual periods.” At admission, she had normal CA125, AFP, and CEA level and CA19-9>1000.00 U/mL. Gynecological transvaginal ultrasound found enlarged uterus with an anterior hypoechoic area of 3.9 × 4.2 cm. CT and contrast-enhanced CT showed significantly enhanced mass shadow on the left anterior wall of uterus. (18)F-FDG PET/CT showed increased FDG metabolism of tumor in the anterior wall of the uterus. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed. DIAGNOSIS: Pathological examination demonstrated subserosal leiomyoma. OUTCOMES: Her CA19-9 level dropped to 91.50 U/mL 1 day after surgery. LESSONS: Significantly elevated CA19-9 was positioned in the uterus by PET/CT imaging, which not only avoided unnecessary gastrointestinal endoscopy and reduced the suffering of patients, but also strengthened the operation confidence in gynecologists.