False Positive Uptake of 123I-MIBG in Celiac Ganglion in a Patient With Neuroblastoma.

Li, Siqi; Zhang, Bingyan; Lv, Cinian; Wang, Xiaoya; Yang, Jigang · Clin Nucl Med · 2026

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

A 16-year-old boy with high-risk neuroblastoma underwent a routine follow-up 123I-MIBG scan, which revealed increased radiotracer uptake in the left upper abdomen, localized to the left celiac ganglion. Subsequent abdominal ultrasound showed no structural abnormalities in this region, and additional laboratory tests did not indicate signs suggestive of disease recurrence. A repeat 123I-MIBG scan performed 6 months later demonstrated no abnormal uptake. This case highlights that physiological uptake in the celiac ganglion may mimic pathological findings, leading to potential false-positive interpretation of 123I-MIBG scans.

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