Added value of semi-quantitative analysis of [18F]FDG PET/CT for the diagnosis of device-related infections in patients with a left ventricular assist device.

Aims: Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve quality of life and survival in patients with advanced heart failure, but device-related infections (DRIs) remain cumbersome. We evaluated the diagnostic capability of [18F]FDG PET/CT, factors affecting its accuracy, and the additive value of semi-quantitative analysis for the diagnosis of DRI.

Methods And Results: LVAD recipients undergoing [18F]FDG PET/CT between 2012 and 2020 for suspected DRI were retrospectively included.

F-FDG/PET-CT imaging findings after sternotomy.

Background: The clinical diagnosis of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) is supported by imaging findings including 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-FDG-PET/CT). To avoid misinterpretation due to normal post-surgery inflammation we assessed normal imaging findings in non-infected patients after sternotomy.

Methods: This is a prospective cohort study including non-infectious patients with sternotomy.

Normal imaging findings after ascending aorta prosthesis implantation on F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography with computed tomography.

Background: To diagnose abnormal F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) uptake in suspected endocarditis after aortic root and/or ascending aorta prosthesis (ARAP) implantation, it is important to first establish the normal periprosthetic uptake on positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT).

Methods: Patients with uncomplicated ARAP implantation were prospectively included and underwent F-FDG-PET/CT at either 12 (± 2) weeks (group 1) or 52 (± 8) weeks (group 2) after procedure. Uptake on three different locations of the prosthesis ("cranial anastomosis (CA)," "prosthetic heart valve (PHV)," "ascending aorta prosthesis (AAP)") was scored visually (none/low/intermediate/high) and quantitatively (maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) and target-to-background ratio (SUV).

Role of Cardiac CT in Infective Endocarditis: Current Evidence, Opportunities, and Challenges.

Infective endocarditis (IE) can present with variable clinical and imaging findings and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Substantial improvement of CT technology, most notably improved temporal and spatial resolution, has resulted in increased use of this modality in the evaluation of IE. The aim of this article is to review the potential role of cardiac CT in evaluating IE.

Screening for coronary artery disease in early surgical treatment of acute aortic valve infective endocarditis.

Objectives: In patients with unknown coronary status undergoing surgery for acute infective endocarditis (IE), the need to screen for coronary artery disease (CAD) and the risk of embolization during invasive coronary angiography (ICA) are debated. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is a non-invasive alternative in these patients. We aimed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of ICA and CCTA to diagnose CAD, and the necessity to treat CAD to prevent CAD-related postoperative complications.

Normal imaging findings after aortic valve implantation on F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography.

Background: To determine the normal perivalvular F-Fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) uptake on positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) within one year after aortic prosthetic heart valve (PHV) implantation.

Methods: Patients with uncomplicated aortic PHV implantation were prospectively included and underwent F-FDG PET/CT at either 5 (± 1) weeks (group 1), 12 (± 2) weeks (group 2) or 52 (± 8) weeks (group 3) after implantation. F-FDG uptake around the PHV was scored qualitatively (none/low/intermediate/high) and quantitatively by measuring the maximum Standardized Uptake Value (SUV) and target to background ratio (SUV).

Added value of F-FDG-PET/CT and cardiac CTA in suspected transcatheter aortic valve endocarditis.

Backgrounds: Transcatheter-implanted aortic valve infective endocarditis (TAVI-IE) is difficult to diagnose when relying on the Duke Criteria. Our aim was to assess the additional diagnostic value of F-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-FDG) positron emission/computed tomography (PET/CT) and cardiac computed tomography angiography (CTA) in suspected TAVI-IE.

Methods: A multicenter retrospective analysis was performed in all patients who underwent F-FDG-PET/CT and/or CTA with suspected TAVI-IE.