Ameboma Mimicking Lung Cancer on FDG PET/CT

Fluorine-18 fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) has been increasingly used for differentiating between benign and malignant pulmonary nodules or masses. Glucose utilization by malignant tissues is generally higher, resulting in higher FDG uptake and SUVs on PET images than in benign tissues. However, some benign pathologies with infection/inflammation may mimic the appearance of malignant lesions on FDG PET/CT. Amebiasis is the third leading cause of death due to parasitic infections worldwide. Although, intestinal disease is the most common manifestation of amebiasis, migration to the liver and lung may occur. This case highlights a primary pulmonary ameboma showing increased metabolism, and suggested lung cancer.