PET/CT false-negative angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: a case report and literature review - Report - MDSpire

PET/CT false-negative angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: a case report and literature review

  • By

  • Yiling Bai

  • Yisong Xiong

  • Hengning Lian

  • Guangqing Shi

  • Yue Teng

  • Lijie Ma

  • July 16, 2026

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Clinical Report: False-Negative Findings in PET/CT for Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma

Background

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare and aggressive form of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, accounting for 1-2% of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Its clinical presentation can be complex, often leading to misdiagnosis and delays in treatment. The role of PET/CT in staging and response assessment is critical, yet false-negative results can occur, complicating the diagnostic process.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the article.

Key Findings

  • AITL can present with false-negative PET/CT findings, particularly in superficial lymph nodes.
  • The patient initially exhibited hypermetabolic activity in deep mediastinal and hilar nodes while superficial nodes were FDG-negative.
  • Initial biopsies of FDG-avid sites were non-diagnostic, delaying the definitive diagnosis.
  • Multisystem involvement and severe anemia were significant clinical features in this case.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for false-negative PET/CT results in AITL.

Conclusion

This case highlights the occurrence of false-negative PET/CT results in AITL.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- Non-specific skin lesions in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma lead to diagnosis challenge: a case report and literature review
  2. Frontiers in Medicine, 2026 -- Editorial: Case reports in PET imaging 2024
  3. Blood Cancer Journal, 2017 -- Evaluating the Prognostic Significance of 18-FDG PET Imaging in T Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
  4. Frontiers in Oncology, 2026 -- CD19-negative non-IgM type lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma: a case report and literature review
  5. Recommendations for Initial Evaluation, Staging, and Response Assessment of Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: The Lugano Classification - PMC
  6. Diagnosis of bone marrow involvement in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma should be based on both [18F]FDG-PET/CT and bone marrow biopsy findings - PubMed
  7. Frontiers | PET/CT False-Negative Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma: A Case Report and Literature Review
  8. Recommendations for Initial Evaluation, Staging, and Response Assessment of Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: The Lugano Classification - PMC
  9. Diagnosis of bone marrow involvement in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma should be based on both [18F]FDG-PET/CT and bone marrow biopsy findings - PubMed
  10. Frontiers | PET/CT False-Negative Angioimmunoblastic T-cell Lymphoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

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