PET/CT in primary hepatic lymphoma with hepatic vein thrombus that extended into the inferior vena cava.

Primary hepatic lymphoma (PHL) is an extremely rare manifestation of extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (0.016% of all cases). Presented are CT, MRI, ultrasound, and (18)F fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) PET/CT images, which characterized PHL and demonstrated hepatic vein thrombus that extended into the inferior vena cava--a feature not previously described. Recognition of this imaging pattern may help in the differential diagnosis of future such cases. FDG PET/CT was critical in confirming the diagnosis, staging, and demonstrating response to treatment.