Contributory Role of Positron Emission Tomography in a Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipient at the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic

ASAIO J. 2020 Jun;66(6):599-602. doi: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000001176.

Abstract

In this study, We report on the use of fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scan examinations for detecting potential COVID-19 respiratory syndrome in asymptomatic left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients. Thus, extreme caution and thoughtful approaches should be taken for a timely detection in delicate LVAD populations, especially if patients are living in a high-density COVID-19-infected area, and the potential intention for LVAD treatment is bridge to transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Heart Failure / therapy*
  • Heart Ventricles*
  • Heart-Assist Devices*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnostic imaging
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18