Molecular Imaging Techniques in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Infectious Diseases

AbstractPurpose of ReviewCombined positron emission tomography and computer tomography with 2-deoxy-[fluorine-18]-flouro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG-PET/CT) is increasingly used in suspected infection and inflammation. Evidence is mounting within several areas. We believe [18F]FDG-PET/CT is a key modality in infection and inflammation and this overview outlines the diagnostic values in most common uses within this domain.Recent Findings[18F]FDG-PET/CT is considered helpful in establishing the underlying disease in 50 –60% of FUO patients. In patients with complex blood stream infections, [18F]FDG-PET/CT changes treatment and reduces relapse rates and mortality —if scans are negative prognosis is favorable and it may be safe to withhold or de-escalate treatment strategy. In infectious endocarditis, [18F]FDG-PET/CT has an impact in prosthetic valve endocarditis and cardiovascular implantable electronic devices whereas its diagnostic use in NVE is limited. In spondylodiscitis, [18F]FDG-PET/CT and MRI have overall equally and complementary diagnostic performance with combined sensitivity and specificity of  ~ 100%. In vascular graft infections, [18F]F DG-PET/CT is highly sensitive (>  90%) with a high negative predictive value, whereas false positive findings are challenging, especially early post-operative. Leucocyte scintigraphy combined with bone marrow scintigraphy has a better overall accuracy compared to [18F]FDG-PET/CT in suspected hip and knee prosthetic joint infect...
Source: Current Treatment Options in Infectious Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research