![Quantification of Atherosclerotic Plaque Activity and Vascular Inflammation using [18-F] Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (FDG-PET/CT)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F3777.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
Catheter-related focal FDG activity on whole body PET imaging
Peeyush Bhargava1, Rakesh Kumar, Hongming Zhuang
1Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. drbhargav@hotmail.com
Introduction:
Whole body FDG positron emission tomography (PET) scan is increasingly being used in the management of a variety of cancers and infections. Cancer patients and other very sick patients have central venous catheters, which could be associated with common complications like thrombosis and infections. We describe catheter-related focal FDG uptake on whole body FDG PET scans in 4 patients.
Materials And Methods:
Four patients underwent whole body FDG-PET scanning 60 minutes after intravenous injection of F18-FDG (2 for localization of site of infection, 1 for primary cancer site localization, and 1 for restaging of colon cancer). The whole body PET images were compared and correlated with the patients' history, radiology and laboratory tests.
Results:
Focal and intense FDG activity is seen in all 4 patients at the distal end of the intravenous catheter. The average SUV of this activity was 6.3 (n = 3). Catheter-related thrombosis was identified as the cause of FDG activity in 3 patients, whereas catheter-related infection was considered in one patient.
Conclusion:
Focal and intense FDG activity, in relation to the distal end of a central venous catheter, has a benign etiology, usually seen with catheter-related venous thrombosis and can be seen with catheter related infection.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Positron Emission Tomography
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...
01:25Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy
Fundamental Principles of PET
01:13Radiological Investigation III: Pulmonary Angiogram and PET Scan
Pulmonary Angiogram
A Pulmonary Angiogram is an invasive procedure involving injecting a contrast medium through a catheter threaded into the pulmonary artery or the right side of the heart to visualize the pulmonary vasculature. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have mainly replaced this...