Lymph node tuberculosis mimicking malignancy on 18F-FDG PET/CT in two patients: A case report

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging, an established procedure for evaluation of malignancy, reports an increased 18F-FDG uptake in acute or chronic inflammatory condition. Lymph node tuberculosis (LNTB) is the most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. However, the absence of clinical symptoms and bacteriological basis makes it difficult to diagnose. In the current case report, two patients with LNTB mimicking malignant lymphoma are presented by 18F-FDG PET/CT. The objective of the present report is to emphasize that LNTB should be considered as a noteworthy differential diagnosis in patients with enlarged lymph nodes, particularly in tuberculosis-endemic countries, and that lymph node biopsy serves a vital role in diagnosing LNTB.