False-positive PSMA uptake in Esophagitis

We present a case of incidental PSMA uptake in the mid-esophagus on 99mTc-HYNIC-PSMA SPECT/CT in a 67-year-old man undergoing staging for high-grade prostate adenocarcinoma. While uptake in the prostate lesion was expected, unexpected focal avidity was noted in the esophagus. Given the rarity of esophageal metastases from prostate cancer, further evaluation was performed. Contrast-enhanced CT showed esophageal fluid levels, and endoscopy revealed linear ulcers in distal esophagus. Biopsy confirmed mild reflux esophagitis. This case underscores the potential for benign esophageal inflammation to mimic metastatic disease on PSMA imaging. Accurate interpretation requires careful clinical and pathologic correlation to avoid misdiagnosis.

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Publication Details

Journal
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
Published
2025-12-23
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1097/rlu.0000000000006227
Primary Topic
Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

False-positive PSMA uptake in Esophagitis

Atena Aghaee, Faeze Rabani, Nima Afshari, Mohammad Hadi Samadi et al.
Clinical Nuclear Medicine
Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research
article

False-positive PSMA uptake in Esophagitis

Atena Aghaee, Faeze Rabani, Nima Afshari, Mohammad Hadi Samadi, Armin Valipour
article en

Abstract

We present a case of incidental PSMA uptake in the mid-esophagus on 99mTc-HYNIC-PSMA SPECT/CT in a 67-year-old man undergoing staging for high-grade prostate adenocarcinoma. While uptake in the prostate lesion was expected, unexpected focal avidity was noted in the esophagus. Given the rarity of esophageal metastases from prostate cancer, further evaluation was performed. Contrast-enhanced CT showed esophageal fluid levels, and endoscopy revealed linear ulcers in distal esophagus. Biopsy confirmed mild reflux esophagitis. This case underscores the potential for benign esophageal inflammation to mimic metastatic disease on PSMA imaging. Accurate interpretation requires careful clinical and pathologic correlation to avoid misdiagnosis.

Clinical Nuclear Medicine
Shariati Hospital (IR), Ghaem Hospital (IR), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IR)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 29%
Prostate Cancer Treatment and Research
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