Role of [18F] FDG PET-CT in detection of COVID-19 vaccine-associated hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy (VAHL) in lymphoma patients: with serologic testing correlation

Abstract Background COVID-19 vaccination of the population has a great importance, especially in oncological patients. The high incidence vaccine-associated hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy (VAHL) makes difficulty diagnosis PET-CT They should be vaccinated side opposite to expected malignant LNs avoid unnecessary biopsy and change therapy. aim this study was assess role detection VAHL after 2nd dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine lymphoma patients compare among treated with B cell depletion therapy during 6 months prior those > before vaccination. Results This comprised 120 patients, referred for FDG PET/CT 1–3 weeks vaccine. Hypermetabolic were identified 55%. anti-CD20 antibody rituximab (9%) significantly lower compared other (91%). grades are within 1st week younger than 60 years age. Only 7 37 negative serology had on PET-CT, whereas 10 26 decreased anti-spike titers 49 57 increased PET-CT. Conclusions challenges interpretation oncology Accurate data collection, regarding time site COVID vaccination, is important help radiologists identifying cause abnormal nodal uptake. We suggest schedule at least 3