Unconfirmed Linear 18F-MFBG Uptake Along the Spinal Canal in a Pediatric Patient With Neuroblastoma: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall

A 1-year-old girl with clinical and imaging features suggestive of neuroblastoma was enrolled in our prospective diagnostic trial. She underwent 18 F-MFBG PET/CT for tumor characterization. On tomographic images, focal 18 F-MFBG uptake, manifesting as an elongated linear pattern, was observed along the left aspect of the spinal canal spanning vertebral levels L2–L5. Contrast-enhanced MRI revealed no structural correlate. The source of this linear uptake remains uncertain. It may represent benign vascular activity, possibly involving the vertebral venous plexus, although this remains unconfirmed. Recognition of this potential pitfall is important to avoid misinterpretation as metastasis.