Immune-related Pulmonary Granulomas Mimicking Metastatic Lesions in a Lung Cancer Patient
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are widely used in non–small cell lung cancer but can cause immune-related adverse events. FDG-avid pulmonary granulomas are unusual and may be mistaken for metastases. We report a 72-year-old man with mucinous adenocarcinoma treated with immunotherapy who developed new FDG-avid, well-circumscribed, round lung nodules, initially suspected as metastases. Biopsy revealed non-necrotizing granulomas, and the nodules regressed without corticosteroids. This case highlights a diagnostic pitfall during immunotherapy, where immune-related granulomas can resemble disease progression. Clinician awareness is essential to avoid unnecessary interventions and ensure appropriate management.
Source: Clinical nuclear medicine open.
Institution: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7160829722