FDG uptake in upper abdominal lymph node as a distinctive pattern in sarcoidosis
- Open Access
- 05-02-2026
- Sarcoidosis
- Original Article
- Authors
- Ryogo Minamimoto
- Yumi Abe
- Ryota Morimoto
- Rintato Ito
- Naotoshi Fujita
- Toyoaki Murohara
- Katsuhiko Kato
- Shinji Naganawa
- Published in
- Japanese Journal of Radiology
Abstract
Objectives
To evaluate the distribution patterns of sarcoidosis involvement on FDG-PET/CT in patients with known or suspected cardiac sarcoidosis (CS), with a particular focus on upper abdominal lymph nodes (LN) (periportal LN [PLN], anterior pancreaticoduodenal LN [APDLN], and posterior pancreaticoduodenal LN [PPDLN]) and the association of them with other lesions and myocardium.
Methods
We identified 861 FDG-PET/CT scans performed between July 2016 and August 2024 in patients with known or suspected CS, and included 178 cases for analysis of FDG uptake patterns suggestive of sarcoid involvement. FDG-positive LNs or regions were classified as sarcoidosis-related based on treatment response, characteristic uptake patterns, or histological confirmation. The occurrence ratio of FDG-positive lymph nodes or regions was also assessed in relation to myocardial FDG uptake patterns.
Results
FDG uptake was observed most frequently in hilar and mediastinal LNs (79% and 76%, respectively). Upper abdominal LN uptake was observed in 49.4% of patients, most commonly in the PLN (31.5%), APDLN (38.2%), and PPDLN (37.1%). Heatmap analyses revealed strong co-occurrence between thoracic and upper abdominal LNs, suggesting a lymphatic dissemination pattern. Peripheral LNs such as axillary, subclavian, and inguinal/pelvic stations demonstrated low uptake and minimal co-occurrence.
Conclusions
FDG-PET/CT provides valuable insight into the structured lymphatic dissemination of sarcoidosis. Frequent FDG uptake in upper abdominal lymph nodes, particularly when accompanied by thoracic involvement, represents a characteristic finding in sarcoidosis. Recognition of this pattern can improve diagnostic accuracy and help differentiate sarcoidosis from other systemic diseases.
Secondary abstract
This study assessed lymph node involvement on FDG-PET/CT in patients with suspected or known cardiac sarcoidosis, revealing distinct dissemination patterns into the upper abdomen. These findings enhance understanding of disease pathophysiology and may improve diagnostic evaluation.
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- Title
- FDG uptake in upper abdominal lymph node as a distinctive pattern in sarcoidosis
- Authors
-
Ryogo Minamimoto
Yumi Abe
Ryota Morimoto
Rintato Ito
Naotoshi Fujita
Toyoaki Murohara
Katsuhiko Kato
Shinji Naganawa
- Publication date
- 05-02-2026
- Publisher
- Springer Nature Singapore
- Keywords
-
Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis
Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Positron Emission Tomography - Published in
-
Japanese Journal of Radiology
Print ISSN: 1867-1071
Electronic ISSN: 1867-108X - DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s11604-025-01935-x
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