18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis

Verónica Vidal1, Cristina Albiach1, Josep Gradolí1

  • 1Departamento de Cardiología, Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.

Insights

Diagnosing prosthetic valve endocarditis is challenging. 18F-FDG PET/CT significantly improves diagnostic accuracy in suspected cases with inconclusive echocardiography, aiding timely treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) presents diagnostic challenges due to limitations of modified Duke criteria and echocardiography.
  • Delayed diagnosis of PVE increases patient morbidity and mortality rates.

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