Evolution of a Schmorl's Node and a Degenerative Osteophyte on Sequential 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT Scans: Potential Pitfalls in Neuroendocrine Tumor Imaging.

Schmorl's node (SN) arises from the herniation of the nucleus pulposus of the disc through the cartilaginous endplate into the body of the vertebra. Our report describes a patient with carcinoid tumor who underwent a series of Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT scans for follow-up, demonstrating gradually increasing focal vertebral uptake in absence of CT abnormality, suspicious for a metastasis. Both CT and MRI eventually revealed classical findings of a SN. Also observed in the same vertebra is a degenerative osteophyte showing intense Ga-DOTATATE uptake. This interesting case shows 2 benign spinal lesions, which potentially can simulate bone metastasis in patients with neuroendocrine tumors.