Bilateral cryptorchidism mimicking external iliac lymphadenopathy in a patient with leg melanoma: role of FDG-PET and ultrasound in management

Authors

  • Samuel Kyle
  • W Phillip Law

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3941/jrcr.v8i1.1661

Keywords:

Cryptorchidism, Undescended testis, Lymphadenopathy, Lymph node, Melanoma

Abstract

Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital anomaly present at birth in males.  Spontaneous testicular descent occurs in the majority of patients, typically before 6 months of age.  Radiology plays an important role, predominantly in the assessment of the nonpalpable testis, with ultrasound being the most commonly employed modality.  Magnetic resonance imaging is however the most accurate modality for the assessment of the nonpalpable testis, particularly with the use of fat suppressed T2 and diffusion weighted sequences.  While traditionally treated in infancy, the untreated or occult form can radiologically be mistaken for lymphadenopathy.  Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography can play an important role in differentiating cryptorchidism from lymphadenopathy, most commonly in patients with known malignancy, although FDG uptake can be variable.  We present a case of bilateral cryptorchidism in an adult male which masqueraded as lymphadenopathy in a patient with lower limb melanoma.

Author Biographies

Samuel Kyle

Advanced Trainee in Nuclear Medicine and Senior Radiology Registrar

Princess Alexandra Hospital and University of Queensland School of Medicine

Brisbane, Australia

W Phillip Law

Consultant Radiologist and Nuclear Medicine Specialist

Princess Alexandra Hospital

Brisbane, Australia

Published

2014-01-28

Issue

Section

Nuclear Medicine / Molecular Imaging