Using Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography to Diagnose Atypically Located Extranodal Natural Killer/T-Cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type, Mimicking Necrotising Soft Tissue Infection

Atypically Located Extranodal Natural Killer/T-cell Lymphoma, Nasal Type

Authors

  • Zehra Karacaer Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Gülhane Traninig and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Merve Bozdağ Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Gülhane Traninig and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Aslı Ayan Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Gülhane Traninig and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Mine Karadeniz Clinic of Hematology, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Gülhane Traninig and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Nalan Akyürek Department of Pathology, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Şahin Atakan Bayır Clinic of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Gülhane Traninig and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Gülden Yılmaz Tehli Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Gülhane Traninig and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye
  • Cemal Bulut Clinic of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, University of Health Sciences Türkiye, Gülhane Traninig and Research Hospital, Ankara, Türkiye

Keywords:

Extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, ositron emission tomography/computed tomography, skin

Abstract

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is an Epstein-Barr virus-associated, rapidly spreading lymphoproliferative disorder with a poor prognosis. Although it usually manifests with nasal involvement, different clinical and histopathological features can be detected. In nasal form, it may be confused with mucormycosis. Identifying the appropriate biopsy site is crucial for an accurate ENKTL-nasal type diagnosis, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) can facilitate this. In this paper, we share the case of a 73-year-old male who presented with nasal and skin involvement, and was diagnosed with an unfavourable prognosis using PET/CT-guided biopsy. Unfortunately, the initial biopsies were inconclusive and led to an unnecessary antimicrobial treatment. Combining fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT images allowed us to pinpoint the biopsy location and assess the depth of tissue infiltration, resulting in a successful biopsy even in this rare case.

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Published

13.10.2025

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 4 (2025): Gazi Medical Journal

Section

Case Report

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