Background: Although the site of nosocomial sepsis in the critically ill ventilated patient is usually identifi able, it may remain occult, despite numerous investigations. The rapid results and precise anatomical location of the septic source using positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, in combination with computed tomography (CT), has promoted this modality as the diagnostic tool of choice for pyrexias of unknown origin.
Method: The objective of this study was to report our experience using PET/CT scanning for the localisation of a septic focus in critically injured patients in whom no source could be identifi ed using conventional investigations.
Results: Two patients with gunshot wounds and two who had sustained multiple fractures following motor vehicle collisions developed pyrexias of unknown origin during their stay in the trauma intensive care unit. Routine screening for a septic focus was unrewarding, and 18F-fl uorodeoxyglucose PET/CT scanning was used to identify the possible source. PET/CT scanning identifi ed the septic focus in all patients. Abscesses were drained successfully in those with penetrating trauma and in one with blunt polytrauma. Pulmonary tuberculosis, not apparent on initial radiology, was identifi ed using PET/CT in one patient with blunt thoracic trauma.
Conclusion: PET/CT scanning appears to both confi rm and localise the source of sepsis in a variety of pathologies in critically ill patients who develop pyrexias for which no source can be identifi ed by conventional screening techniques.