Sikandar Mohd Shaikh DMRD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

The objective of this study was to highlight the clinical significance and role of FDG PET-CT in assessment of patients with suspected infection or inflammatory condition.

A total of 22 pts (59.6 ± 15.1 years old, M/F=14/8) with suspected infection and inflammatory condition from clinical manifestations and blood tests were retrospectively studied. FDG PET-CT was performed on these patients to localize infection or inflammatory sites. PET-CT findings were evaluated in relation to results of blood tests (C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC)), treatment, and prognosis.

5 pts (22.7%) showed negative findings on FDG PET-CT. All these patients recovered with conservative antibiotic treatment and favorable prognosis except one patients (one with viral encephalitis who had severe neurological sequelae ). 16 pts (75%) showed positive findings suggesting infection or inflammation in various regions: bone and soft tissue, 4; colon, 2; mediastinum, 2; lung, 2; heart and pericardium, 2; retroperitoneum,1 gall bladder, 1; kidney,1; vascular graft,1, One patient (2.3%) showed positive finding suggesting not infection but malignant lymphoma and was diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma subsequently. In PET-positive pts, surgical treatments, abscess drainage, or removal of pace maker lead were done in 5 pts. In PET positive patients2 pts had died due to multiple organ failure, Remaining 15 pts recovered by appropriate surgical and medical treatment. In PET-negative and PET-positive pts, CRP (mg/dl) was 9.0±9.0 and 8.6±7.6, WBC (/μl) was 8600±3300 and 10000±6600, showing no significant difference.

FDG PET-CT was useful in initial assessment of patients with suspected infection or inflammatory condition, providing important information regarding location and severity of the disease. PET-negative pts tended to have mild disease however, presence of PET-negative severe disease such as viral encephalitis should be kept in mind.

Thus FDG PET-CT is important tool in diagnosing the many infective foci in the body

Shaikh, S, Role of F-18 FDG PET-CT in Assessment of Patients with Suspected Infection or Inflammatory Conditions.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14045540.html