F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging of solitary liver Langerhans cell histiocytosis: preliminary findings

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disorder of clonal proliferation of Langerhans-type cells. The imaging findings of LCH are not specific. A 27-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of liver enzyme elevation without other hepatic signs. Radiological studies were originally interpreted as possible metastatic disease to the liver. Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-18 FDG PET/CT) images demonstrated a diffuse pattern of nodules in the liver with hypermetabolic activity. LCH was diagnosed histopathologically with an ultrasound-guided liver biopsy. This case illustrates the importance of considering proliferative/benign conditions of the liver when interpreting PET/CT. Failure to do so could result in patient mismanagement.