Diagnosis of vascular prosthesis infection with FDG-PET/CT

J Vasc Surg. 2004 Dec;40(6):1246-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2004.09.032.

Abstract

Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is on the verge of becoming an established imaging tool in the fields of clinical oncology, cardiology, and neurology. Because of the high glucose uptake of inflammatory cells, FDG scanning is an appropriate tool for use in tracing suspected inflammation or to evaluate infection. PET, although highly sensitive, often lacks the ability to define the precise anatomic location of abnormal FDG accumulation. The new PET/computed tomography (CT) technology provides precise registration of metabolic and structural imaging data in a single session. We report positive FDG-PET/CT findings in an infected vascular prosthesis 6 months after grafting. Our experience and a few available case reports support the hypothesis that FDG-PET/CT may have a promising role in future noninvasive diagnosis of infected vascular grafts.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis / adverse effects
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects
  • Device Removal
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Humans
  • Leg / blood supply
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron-Emission Tomography / methods*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / diagnosis
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / etiology
  • Radiopharmaceuticals*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18