FDG PET/CT in the evaluation and response assessment of pediatric parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma: a case report and review of lliterature

Rhabdomyosarcomas are relatively common pediatric tumors and often occur in the head and neck region. We describe a case of parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma, a particularly aggressive variant of rhabdomyosarcoma in a 6 year old boy who presented with acute onset of swelling of right cheek and fever. CECT followed by histopathology revealed rhabdomyosarcoma in right intratemporal fossa. F-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT scans were done before and after treatment (neo-adjuvant chemotherapy, concurrent chemo-radiation (CTRT) and adjuvant chemotherapy). We intend to show the classical presentation of parameningeal RMS at presentation and after treatment as seen on FDG PET/CT. We also want to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and management in aggressive tumors which can prove beneficial to the patient.