¹⁸F-FDG-PET/CT in SARS-CoV-2 infection and its sequelae

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Scientific efforts on SARS-CoV-2 infection are ongoing, yet many aspects remain unknown.
• SARS-CoV-2 damage is multifactorial, extending beyond acute lung inflammation to complications and sequelae.
• Previous knowledge of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in acute SARS-CoV-2 infection was limited to incidental findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings in acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID-19, and post-vaccination states.
• To present preliminary institutional experience with 18F-FDG-PET/CT in these contexts.
• To consolidate current understanding of metabolic alterations associated with SARS-CoV-2.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies utilizing 18F-FDG-PET/CT in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Analysis of findings related to acute COVID-19, persistent symptoms (long COVID-19), and vaccination.
• Inclusion of preliminary data from the authors' institution.

Main Results:

• Limited data exists on 18F-FDG-PET/CT in acute SARS-CoV-2, often incidental.
• Emerging studies report 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings in long COVID-19 and post-vaccination metabolic alterations.
• Preliminary experience suggests potential utility in evaluating persistent symptoms.

Conclusions:

• 18F-FDG-PET/CT is increasingly recognized for its role in evaluating SARS-CoV-2 related conditions beyond the acute phase.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the diagnostic and prognostic value of 18F-FDG-PET/CT in long COVID-19 and post-vaccination scenarios.
• This review synthesizes current knowledge and highlights areas for future investigation.