Focal cholesterol granuloma in the anterior mediastinum: [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings

J Thorac Oncol. 2007 Nov;2(11):1054-6. doi: 10.1097/JTO.0b013e318158eee8.

Abstract

Cholesterol granuloma is a foreign-body type granuloma that forms in reaction to cholesterol crystals. We report a rare case of focal cholesterol granuloma in the anterior mediastinum of a 62-year-old asymptomatic man that presented as an indeterminate anterior mediastinal nodule on [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography scans. T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance images revealed markedly hypo-intense signals reflecting pathologic hyalinized collagen fibers. Magnetic resonance signal characteristics might be helpful for distinguishing benign cholesterol granulomas from malignant neoplasms.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cholesterol / metabolism*
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Granuloma / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Mediastinum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography*
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Cholesterol