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.

Clinical Nuclear Medicine
|December 8, 2017
PubMed

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.

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