OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical presentation, imaging characteristics ofF-FDG PET/CT and prognosis of patients with subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTCL).

METHODSThe images and clinical data of 7 patients with pathologically confirmed SPTCL who underwentF-FDG PET/CT were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTSSix patients displayed multiple subcutaneous nodules or deeply seated plaques, most commonly on the extremities and trunk, and one patient showed a single lesion on his face. The ulceration of nodules occurred in 3 cases, and the lesions were painful in 5 cases. Both nodal and extranodal involvements were found in 2 cases, respectively. The SUVof cutaneous lesions in extremities and trunk were 3.8(1.1-11.3) and 3.9(1.0-10.1), with out significant difference (Z=-0.248, P>0.05), but significant difference was observed between the SUVcutaneous lesions with the CT value>0HU group and that of CT value≤0HU group [7.0(3.0-11.3) vs 1.8(1.0-6.9); Z=-7.523, P<0.01]. The SUVof all cutaneous lesions, nodal and extranodal involvement were 3.9(1.0-11.3), 5.2(2.1-13.1) and 6.2(4.0-11.4), respectively, with significant difference(P<0.05). The SUVof extranodal involvement was apparently higher than that of cutaneous lesions (P<0.05). However, no significant difference of the SUVwas observed between nodal and extranodal involvement (P>0.0.5), also between nodal involvement and cutaneous lesions (P>0.05). Among 7 cases, 4 were died of multiple cutaneous lesions, and accompanied by hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) in 3 cases, with median SUVof cutaneous lesions exceeded 3.0 in 3 cases, and nodal and extranodal involvement in 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONThe clinical manifestation of SPTCL is non-specific.F-FDG PET/CT is useful for defining the distribution and extent, finding visceral involvement, judging the malignant degree, predicting the prognosis, and making effective therapeutic plan.