Atypical 18F-FDG PET-CT uptake in the head and neck; a case-based pictorial review

Positron emission tomography - computed tomography (PET-CT) with fluorine-18-fluorodeoxy-d-glucose (18F-FDG) has an increasing role in head and neck imaging. Interpretation of 18F-FDG-tracer uptake in the head and neck requires an understanding of normal physiological patterns of tracer uptake, as well as knowledge of potential pitfalls and atypical patterns. This article presents a select series of unusual patterns of 18F-FDG uptake on PET-CT imaging of the head and neck.