RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 18F-FDG PET/CT Optimizes Treatment in Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia and Is Associated with Reduced Mortality JF Journal of Nuclear Medicine JO J Nucl Med FD Society of Nuclear Medicine SP 1504 OP 1510 DO 10.2967/jnumed.117.191981 VO 58 IS 9 A1 Marvin A.H. Berrevoets A1 Ilse J.E. Kouijzer A1 Erik H.J.G. Aarntzen A1 Marcel J.R. Janssen A1 Lioe-Fee De Geus-Oei A1 Heiman F.L. Wertheim A1 Bart-Jan Kullberg A1 Jaap Ten Oever A1 Wim J.G. Oyen A1 Chantal P. Bleeker-Rovers YR 2017 UL http://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/58/9/1504.abstract AB Metastatic infection is an important complication of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB). Early diagnosis of metastatic infection is crucial, because specific treatment is required. However, metastatic infection can be asymptomatic and difficult to detect. In this study, we investigated the role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients with SAB for detection of metastatic infection and its consequences for treatment and outcome. Methods: All patients with SAB at Radboud University Medical Center were included between January 2013 and April 2016. Clinical data and results of 18F-FDG PET/CT and other imaging techniques, including echocardiography, were collected. Primary outcomes were newly diagnosed metastatic infection by 18F-FDG PET/CT, subsequent treatment modifications, and patient outcome. Results: A total of 184 patients were included, and 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed in 105 patients, of whom 99 had a high-risk bacteremia. 18F-FDG PET/CT detected metastatic infectious foci in 73.7% of these high-risk patients. In 71.2% of patients with metastatic infection, no signs and symptoms suggesting metastatic complications were present before 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed. 18F-FDG PET/CT led to a total of 104 treatment modifications in 74 patients. Three-month mortality was higher in high-risk bacteremia patients without 18F-FDG PET/CT performed than in those in whom 18F-FDG PET/CT was performed (32.7% vs. 12.4%, P = 0.003). In multivariate analysis, 18F-FDG PET/CT was the only factor independently associated with reduced mortality (P = 0.005; odds ratio, 0.204; 95% confidence interval, 0.066–0.624). A higher comorbidity score was independently associated with increased mortality (P = 0.003; odds ratio, 1.254; 95% confidence interval, 1.078–1.457). Conclusion: 18F-FDG PET/CT is a valuable technique for early detection of metastatic infectious foci, often leading to treatment modification. Performing 18F-FDG PET/CT is associated with significantly reduced 3-mo mortality.