18 F-FDG PET/CT Five Days Post First Administration of Semaglutide : Side Effects in One Shot.

Clinical nuclear medicine2026PMID: 41650160

View on PubMed DOI: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000006360

Plain Language Summary

Case report of a 60-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT five days after first semaglutide administration, revealing multi-organ semaglutide-induced changes (gastroparesis, cholecystitis, colitis, possible AKI from dehydration) visible on imaging. The first report of multiple simultaneous semaglutide adverse effects detectable via PET/CT imaging. Documents a unique multi-organ adverse event presentation identified through oncologic imaging—illustrating how semaglutide side effects may manifest on nuclear medicine scans and providing diagnostic awareness for radiologists and oncologists.

Abstract

We present the case of a 60-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer who underwent 18 F-FDG PET/CT for treatment response assessment. Beyond oncologic findings, the scan revealed abnormal gastric retention, gallbladder, colonic, and renal uptake patterns suggestive of Semaglutide-induced gastroparesis, cholecystitis, colitis, and possible acute kidney injury secondary to dehydration. Suspicions were confirmed by clinical evaluation. Symptoms resolved after supportive therapy and withholding of semaglutide. To our knowledge, this is the first report of multi-organ side effects seen on 18 F-FDG PET/CT following a single semaglutide dose administration, emphasizing the need for nuclear medicine physicians to recognize glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist medication-related side effects and their imaging manifestations.

Authors

Triumbari, Elizabeth Katherine Anna; Lorusso, Margherita; Cirillo, Fiammetta; D'Orso, Francesca; Lolli, Vanessa; De Rosa, Alessandra; Di Carmine, Raffaela; Meduri, Guido Maria

18 F-FDG PET/CT Five Days Post First Administration of Semaglutide : Side Effects in One Shot.

Plain Language Summary

Abstract

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