Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine-Related Pericarditis on 18 F-FDG PET/CT

Yu-Chin Wu, Chia-Hung Kao, Chiung-Wei Liao1

  • 1From the Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung City.

PubMed

Insights

A 13-year-old boy developed pericarditis after a bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine booster. 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging, aided by a special diet, confirmed pericarditis and lymphadenopathy without interfering with cardiac uptake.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Myocardial uptake of 18F-FDG can interfere with pericarditis detection using PET/CT.
  • Bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are widely administered, necessitating understanding of potential adverse effects.

Observation:

  • A 13-year-old male presented with suspected pericarditis post-bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Preparation involved a carbohydrate-free, high-fat diet to suppress physiological myocardial 18F-FDG uptake.

Findings:

  • 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging successfully identified pericarditis.
  • Simultaneously, vaccination-related axillary lymphadenopathy was visualized.
  • The dietary preparation effectively minimized physiological myocardial uptake, allowing clear visualization of pathology.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential diagnostic approach for vaccine-associated pericarditis using 18F-FDG PET/CT.
  • The findings suggest that dietary modifications can optimize imaging for cardiac inflammation.
  • Further research may explore this technique for evaluating other vaccine-related cardiac adverse events.

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