18F-FDG-PET/CT Imaging to Diagnose Septic Emboli and Mycotic Aneurysms in Patients with Endocarditis and Cardiac Device Infections

Curr Cardiol Rep. 2018 Mar 6;20(3):14. doi: 10.1007/s11886-018-0956-0.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review analyzes recent studies evaluating the diagnostic value of 18F-FDG-PET/CT for the detection of peripheral emboli and secondary infectious foci in patients with infective endocarditis and cardiac device infections.

Recent findings: Detection of extracardiac septic localizations in patients with infective endocarditis and cardiac device infections is crucial, as it may impact the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic management. Recent literature substantiated the clinical usefulness of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in this setting. 18F-FDG-PET/CT has proven its high diagnostic value for the detection of peripheral emboli in patients with infective endocarditis and cardiac device infections, substantially affecting patients' outcome and treatment. A multimodal approach, combining the high sensitivity of 18F-FDG-PET/CT with morphological imaging seems promising.

Keywords: Cardiac device infection; FDG; Infectious endocarditis; Metastatic infection; PET; Septic emboli.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aneurysm, Infected / diagnostic imaging*
  • Embolism / diagnostic imaging*
  • Endocarditis / complications
  • Endocarditis / microbiology
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / complications
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / microbiology
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Sepsis / diagnostic imaging*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18