OBJECTIVE. Molecular imaging of infection has evolved since its inception. This articles covers a number of infectious processes, including osteomyelitis, diabetic foot infections, periprosthetic infections, cardiovascular infections (including those due to implantable devices), abdominal infections, and fever of unknown origin. Planar, SPECT, SPECT/CT, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and PET/MRI are also discussed. CONCLUSION. Molecular imaging of infection is a complex topic. Knowledge of the available modalities allows the imager to select the highest-yield study to answer the clinical question.
Keywords: FDG; PET/CT; PET/MRI; SPECT/CT; abdominal infection; cardiovascular infection; diabetic foot; fever of unknown origin; implantable device infection; labeled leukocytes; methylene diphosphonate (MDP); osteomyelitis; periprosthetic infection; vertebral osteomyelitis.