Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026
High-Resolution Cardiac Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography for Small Animals
Published on: December 16, 2022
Advantages of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography in detecting post
Djamel Adjtoutah1, Alaa Azhari2, Youcef Larabi2
1Cardiology Department, Hospital Center of Vichy.
Unlabelled:
The 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) offers an excellent negative predictive value. Consequently, it is a reliable tool for excluding an infectious phenomenon in case of negativity. In case of persistent fever of unknown origin after cardiac surgery and in combination with other bacteriological examinations and medical imaging, we can rely on FDG-PET/CT to confirm or eliminate deep infections and prosthetic endocarditis. For this reason, FDG-PET/CT should be considered among the examinations to be performed in case of suspected infection after cardiac surgery. We have reported the case of a 76-year-old man who presented with a fever of unknown origin and recurrent septic shocks after a biological Bentall procedure combined with left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery revascularization by the left internal thoracic artery. We performed a FDG-PET/CT which showed external iliac vein and right common femoral vein hyperfixation with infiltration of adjacent soft tissues, highly suspected to be an infectious process.
Learning Objective:
The aim of this case report is to show that FDG-PET/CT, in combination with other bacteriological examinations and medical imaging, can be extremely helpful in detecting deep infectious sources, even during the early postoperative period.
Insights
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is a valuable tool for diagnosing deep infections after cardiac surgery. This imaging technique helps confirm or rule out infections, especially when fever of unknown origin persists post-operation.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Persistent fever of unknown origin after cardiac surgery can indicate deep infection or prosthetic endocarditis.
- 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) has a high negative predictive value for infectious phenomena.
- Early detection of postoperative infections is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility of FDG-PET/CT in diagnosing deep infections post-cardiac surgery.
- To demonstrate the role of FDG-PET/CT in cases of persistent fever of unknown origin.
- To emphasize FDG-PET/CT as part of the diagnostic workup for suspected postoperative infections.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 76-year-old male with fever and septic shocks post-Bentall procedure and coronary artery revascularization.
- Utilized FDG-PET/CT as part of the diagnostic investigation.
- Correlated imaging findings with clinical presentation and other examinations.
Main Results:
- FDG-PET/CT revealed hyperfixation in the external iliac vein and right common femoral vein.
- Imaging findings suggested infiltration of adjacent soft tissues, indicative of an infectious process.
- The case illustrates the potential of FDG-PET/CT in identifying deep-seated infections.
Conclusions:
- FDG-PET/CT is a reliable imaging modality for excluding or confirming deep infections after cardiac surgery.
- In conjunction with bacteriological tests and other imaging, FDG-PET/CT aids in diagnosing infectious sources.
- FDG-PET/CT should be considered in the evaluation of suspected infections in the early postoperative period.
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