Two Coincident Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Esophagus in a Patient With Achalasia: Evidence by F-18 FDG PET/CT.

Bettenworth D, Reuter S, Fuchs M, Schnöckel U, Wessling J, Domschke W, Weckesser M, Domagk D

Zusammenfassung

We report the case of a 40-year-old man with a history of achalasia and acute gastrointestinal bleeding caused by an ulcer of the distal esophagus. Due to massive food stasis and esophagitis, several esophago-gastro-duodenoscopies and endoscopic ultrasound examinations were performed until the diagnosis of 2 coincident carcinomas of the esophagus (upper and lower third) could be demonstrated. In contrast, F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan was readily able to detect both carcinomas. Thus, in patients with achalasia and complex endoscopic conditions, the F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography might serve as a reliable tool for diagnostics and staging of suspected malignancy.