COVID-19 Mimics Metastatic Cancer in Whole-Body PET/CT Imaging

Strategic Insights -

A recent case study presented in the journal COVID has documented a rare instance where COVID-19 infection mimicked metastatic cancer in a patient's whole-body PET/CT imaging. The study, published on August 12, 2025, describes a patient who underwent extensive diagnostic procedures, including biopsies, which ultimately revealed a small low-grade thyroid cancer. However, further investigation revealed that the patient had mild COVID-19 just seven days prior to the imaging, suggesting a possible connection between the two.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study presented a unique case of COVID-19 infection mimicking metastatic cancer in a patient's whole-body PET/CT imaging.
  • The patient underwent extensive diagnostic procedures, including biopsies, which revealed a small low-grade thyroid cancer.
  • Further investigation revealed that the patient had mild COVID-19 just seven days prior to the imaging.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering COVID-19 as a potential cause of metastatic cancer-like symptoms in patients undergoing PET/CT imaging.
  • The research was conducted by a team of researchers from the Department of Health Research, National Hospital Faroe Islands, led by Gunnhild Helmsdal.
  • Other authors involved in the research include Sissal Clemmensen, Jann Mortensen, Marnar Friðheim Kristiansen, Maria Skaalum Petersen, and Herborg L. Johannesen.

Statistics:

  • 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging showed activity in the thyroid gland, lower thoracic spinal column, portal lymph nodes, terminal ileum, and surrounding lymph nodes.
  • The patient underwent extensive invasive and non-invasive diagnostic procedures, including biopsies of all the suspicious foci.
  • Three months later, the findings had either disappeared or were considered reactive.

Sources:

  • COVID, 2025,5(7):98. (Free version available at https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/covid5070098)
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Torshavn Describe Research in COVID-19 (Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection with the Omicron Variant Mimicking Metastatic Cancer on Whole-Body 18-F FDG PET/CT Imaging). Cancer Weekly. August 12, 2025; p 412.