Module 10. How to Perform an 18F FDG Infection/Inflammation Study-How to Perform an 18F FDG Infection/Inflammation Study (Slides)

How to Perform an 18F FDG Infection/Inflammation Study (Slides)

Pdf Summary

Cardiac PET, or positron emission tomography, is a valuable tool for diagnosing cardiac inflammation and infection. In this module, the focus is on performing and interpreting an 18F-FDG infection/inflammation study.<br /><br />Patient preparation is essential to facilitate accurate diagnosis. Several methods can be used to suppress physiologic myocardial FDG uptake, including a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, heparin administration, and prolonged fasting. Recommendations for patient preparation include two high-fat, low-carbohydrate meals the day before the study followed by a fast of 4-12 hours. For diabetic patients, specific instructions are outlined based on their insulin regimen.<br /><br />Imaging data acquisition and processing involve both PET and CT scans. PET scans should cover the skull vertex to the feet, with 3-5 minutes per bed position and arms raised. CT scans are used for localizing or diagnostic purposes as needed. The data obtained from both scans are then processed using iterative reconstruction for PET and filtered back projection reconstruction for CT.<br /><br />The interpretation of the 18F-FDG PET/CT scans depends on the specific condition being evaluated. For cardiac sarcoidosis, the scans can detect interstitial inflammatory granulomas and provide evidence of ongoing active inflammation or scarred tissue. In cardiac device infections, the scans can diagnose infections before structural damage occurs and differentiate between infection and inflammation.<br /><br />The module also highlights the significance of 18F-FDG PET/CT in diagnosing prosthetic valve endocarditis and identifying extra-cardiac infection sources or septic emboli.<br /><br />Overall, cardiac PET with 18F-FDG is a valuable tool in diagnosing and monitoring cardiac inflammation and infection. Patient preparation and accurate interpretation of the scans are essential for optimum results.

Keywords

Cardiac PET

positron emission tomography

cardiac inflammation

cardiac infection

18F-FDG infection/inflammation study

patient preparation

PET scans

CT scans

interpretation

prosthetic valve endocarditis