Early detection of encephalitis with (18)F-FDG PET/CT

M C Gaeta; M Godani; R Nunziata; C Capellini; A Ciarmiello

doi:10.1016/j.remn.2014.11.002

Early detection of encephalitis with (18)F-FDG PET/CT

Rev Esp Med Nucl Imagen Mol. 2015 May-Jun;34(3):188-90. doi: 10.1016/j.remn.2014.11.002. Epub 2014 Dec 30.

Authors

M C Gaeta¹, M Godani², R Nunziata³, C Capellini⁴, A Ciarmiello⁵

Affiliations

¹ Nuclear Medicine Department, S. Andrea Hospital, La Spezia, Italy. Electronic address: mc.gaeta@gmail.com.
² Neurology Department, S. Andrea Hospital, La Spezia, Italy.
³ Neuropathology and Neurology 5, IRCCS Foundation "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milano, Italy.
⁴ Neuroradiology Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, La Spezia, Italy.
⁵ Nuclear Medicine Department, S. Andrea Hospital, La Spezia, Italy.

PMID: 25555323
DOI: 10.1016/j.remn.2014.11.002

Abstract

Encephalitis is a relatively rare condition for which making an accurate diagnosis can be challenging. In fact, clinical features are not specific and structural imaging can be normal in a considerable number of cases. However, an early diagnosis is important as many forms of treatment are effective if started promptly. Even though recent guidelines do not recommend (18)F-FDG PET/CT for patients with suspected encephalitis, the case presented suggests that (18)F-FDG PET/CT may play a relevant role for the early diagnosis of this clinical condition.

Keywords: Encefalitis; Encephalitis; FDG PET/CT; FDG PET/TC; MRI.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Adult
Biopsy
Coma / etiology
Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Disease Progression
Early Diagnosis
Encephalitis, Viral / complications
Encephalitis, Viral / diagnostic imaging*
Encephalitis, Viral / pathology
Fatal Outcome
Female
Fluorine Radioisotopes
Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
Frontal Lobe / pathology
Humans
Measles / complications
Measles / diagnostic imaging*
Measles / pathology
Myoclonus / etiology
Radiopharmaceuticals

Substances

Fluorine Radioisotopes
Radiopharmaceuticals
Fluorodeoxyglucose F18