2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography for the diagnosis and treatment of Burkitt lymphoma

Background/Objective: Burkitt lymphoma, a form of non Hodgkin lymphoma, is a rare aggressive mature B-cell neoplasm with a favorable prognosis. The objective of this article is to demonstrate that the prompt diagnosis and the application of effective treatments of Burkitt lymphoma is facilitated by the efficacious use of 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography. Case Report: A 45-year-old man presented with pain in and around his joints and his bones. After multiple inconclusive diagnostic procedures, a 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography scan was obtained revealing diffuse intense radiotracer activity throughout the skeletal system with multiple areas of photopenia in multiple vertebral spine levels and the posterior iliac crest. Subsequent bone marrow biopsy showed a high Ki-67 proliferative index consistent with Burkitt lymphoma. Conclusions: This case report is of interest to all clinicians who may evaluate adults with pain in and around joints and bones. Burkitt lymphoma merits inclusion in the differential diagnosis of pain in and around joints and bones in adults. Utilization of 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography will facilitate the prompt diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma and the application of effective interventions.