Use of NaF and FDG PET/CT Scan for the Assessment of Charcot Joint in Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: All That Glitters is Gold?

Abstract

Increasingly Charcot neuroarthropathy (CN) is being recognized in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. In this report, we describe a case of CN in a CMT patient, adding to the very scarce literature describing this association. We additionally report his unique evaluation with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and sodium fluoride (NaF) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning, the study of which is limited in CN despite its promising role. A 54-year-old known case of CMT, presented with left foot pain, and swelling for 4 months. Weakness and sensory deficits as a result of CMT were evident in both lower and upper limbs. His x-ray was suggestive of CN. Both FDG and NaF PET/CT scanning demonstrated increased tracer uptake in the first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ), in keeping with CN. Recognition of the association of CMT with CN is of vital importance as early diagnosis relies on high clinical suspicion. Characterizing risk factors of CN in CMT patients is still under study. Moreover, there is lack of data evaluating the role of PET/CT in CN and specifically in the context of CMT.