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18F-FDG PET/CT in Detecting Metastatic Infection in Children
Ilse J E Kouijzer1, Gijsbert J Blokhuis, Jos M T Draaisma
1From the Departments of *Internal Medicine, †Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and ‡Pediatrics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen; §Department of Nuclear Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden; and ‖MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Biomedical Photonic Imaging Group, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
Insights
18F-FDG PET/CT scans show diagnostic value in identifying metastatic infections in children. This imaging technique offers a high negative predictive value, aiding in the accurate diagnosis of severe bloodstream infection complications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Metastatic infection is a serious complication of bacteremia.
- High morbidity and mortality rates are associated with metastatic infections.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT.
- To assess the value of FDG PET/CT in children with suspected metastatic infection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of FDG PET/CT scans in children.
- Scans performed between September 2003 and June 2013.
- Comparison of FDG PET/CT results with final clinical diagnoses.
Main Results:
- FDG PET/CT was performed in 13 children.
- 38% of scans were found to be clinically helpful.
- Positive predictive value was 71%, and negative predictive value was 100%.
Conclusions:
- FDG PET/CT is a valuable diagnostic tool for suspected metastatic infection in children.
- Further prospective studies are needed.
- Assessing the exact additional diagnostic value within a structured protocol is recommended.
Purpose Of The Report:
Metastatic infection is a severe complication of bacteremia with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET combined with CT (FDG PET/CT) in children suspected of having metastatic infection.
Methods:
The results of FDG PET/CT scans performed in children because of suspected metastatic infection from September 2003 to June 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. The results were compared with the final clinical diagnosis.
Results:
FDG PET/CT was performed in 13 children with suspected metastatic infection. Of the total number of FDG PET/CT scans, 38% were clinically helpful. Positive predictive value of FDG PET/CT was 71%, and negative predictive value was 100%.
Conclusions:
FDG PET/CT appears to be a valuable diagnostic technique in children with suspected metastatic infection. Prospective studies of FDG PET/CT as part of a structured diagnostic protocol are needed to assess the exact additional diagnostic value.
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