18F-FDG PET/CT Findings in a Young Man With Fatal Complications From Self-administered Esthetic Paraffin Injections

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Pathology

Background:

• Self-injection of cosmetic fillers like paraffin can lead to significant health complications.
• Complications may include granuloma formation, foreign body reactions, and systemic dissemination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of extensive complications from self-administered paraffin injections.
• To illustrate the imaging findings of paraffinoma and secondary calcifications on [18F]FDG PET/CT.

Main Methods:

• A 34-year-old male patient with a history of self-administered paraffin injections underwent [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging.
• Radiological findings were analyzed for evidence of paraffin deposition and associated complications.

Main Results:

• [18F]FDG PET/CT revealed disseminated hypodense granulomas (oil deposits) in the upper extremities and chest musculature.
• Extensive calcifications were observed throughout the body, affecting muscles, subcutaneous tissues, scrotum, kidneys (nephrolithiasis), and vascular walls.

Conclusions:

• Self-administered paraffin injections can result in severe, disseminated complications including granulomas and extensive calcifications.
• Imaging modalities like [18F]FDG PET/CT are crucial for diagnosing and characterizing these adverse effects.