Infection of Ventricular Assist Device Detected and Monitored by 18F-FDG PET/CT

Clin Nucl Med. 2017 Sep;42(9):695-696. doi: 10.1097/RLU.0000000000001736.

Abstract

We report a case of a 59-year-old man who presented with fever, sepsis, and left cervicothoracic cutaneous inflammation 13 months after implantation of Jarvik 2000 device. Device infection was suspected and F-FDG PET/CT showed an intense and homogeneous uptake along driveline cable. Bacteriological local sample showed Staphylococcus aureus. After adapted antibiotherapy, control F-FDG PET/CT displays treatment efficacy with no residual uptake in driveline. F-FDG PET/CT could be an important tool for early noninvasive detection of left ventricular assist device infection and monitoring antibiotherapy response.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18*
  • Heart-Assist Devices / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Staphylococcal Infections / diagnostic imaging
  • Staphylococcus aureus / physiology

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18