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Serial FDG-PET/CT Imaging in the Management of Cardiac Sarcoidosis
William Bremer1, Nadera J Sweiss, Yang Lu
1From the Department of Radiology, University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System, Chicago, IL.
Insights
This study highlights active cardiac sarcoidosis in a patient with implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Worsening disease was indicated by increased FDG avidity on follow-up PET/CT scans.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Cardiac sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition affecting the heart.
- Early diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for managing cardiac sarcoidosis.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old woman with known cardiac sarcoidosis and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator experienced dizziness and dyspnea.
- Myocardial perfusion imaging showed a fixed defect, while FDG-PET/CT revealed active inflammation.
Findings:
- The patient's cardiac sarcoidosis showed active inflammation on FDG-PET/CT.
- Despite initial treatment with steroids after mycophenolate mofetil discontinuation, follow-up imaging indicated worsening disease activity.
Implications:
- FDG-PET/CT is valuable for assessing cardiac sarcoidosis activity and guiding treatment.
- This case underscores the need for vigilant monitoring in cardiac sarcoidosis patients, even after initial therapy.
Abstract:
A 60-year-old woman with biopsy-proven cardiac sarcoidosis status post implantable cardioverter defibrillator placement presented with periodic dizziness and dyspnea on exertion. Myocardial perfusion scan demonstrated a moderate sized, fixed perfusion defect along the mid to proximal anteroseptal wall of the left ventricle, with better perfusion on stress images. FDG-PET/CT demonstrated corresponding focal FDG avidity of the mid to proximal anteroseptal wall, suggestive of active cardiac sarcoidosis. Because of severe side effects, mycophenolate mofetil was discontinued, and the patient received low-dose steroid therapy. At 7-month follow-up FDG PET/CT, there was increased FDG avidity in the same regions, indicating worsening cardiac sarcoidosis.
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