The role of FDG-PET-CT in pediatric cardiac patients and patients with congenital heart defects. (1st October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meyer, Zora; Fischer, M.; Koerfer, J.; Laser, K.T.; Kececioglu, D.; Burchert, W.; Ulrich, S.; Preuss, R.; Haas, N.A.
• Is Part Of: International journal of cardiology. Volume 220(2016)
• Page Start: 656
• Page End: 660
• Publication Date: 2016-10-01
• Subjects: PET-CT -- Pediatric cardiology -- Congenital heart defects -- Assist device -- Endocarditis; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.06.109
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-5273

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: Medical imaging by using FDG-PET/CT (PET-CT) can detect, confirm or eliminate with high sensitivity areas of suspected infections in case of persistent fever of unknown origin in combination with other bacteriological examinations. The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of PET-CT in detecting or excluding infections or other inflammatory processes in patients with congenital heart defects (CHD). In addition we wanted to evaluate the practical impact of PET-CT on the subsequent clinical management. Methods: In this retrospective study we analyzed the data of all CHD patients who underwent PET-CT over a 5 year period in our institution. The results were then evaluated with regard to the potential impact on clinical decision making. Results: Between 2010 and 2015 PET-CT was performed in 30 patients. The mean age was 26 years (SD 15 years, range 1 to 66 years). The diagnoses covered a large field of CHD. 11 patients (4/11 with assist device) were assessed before heart transplantation; suspected malignancies or infections were excluded and transplant listing was possible. In another 5/6 patients suspected assist device infection could be confirmed with PET/CT. Endocarditis was suspected in 13 patients, 2 of whom underwent previous MRI without confirmation and ECHO was inconclusive. Endocarditis was finally excluded in 5/13 patients but confirmed in 8/13 patients by PET-CT. Conclusion: In this study we could show a high sensitivity of PET-CT for specific localization of infections and with high impact on subsequent therapy. Based on this results clinical management could be targeted and adapted. We could demonstrate that PET-CT has a high impact on the subsequent clinical therapy. Highlights: PET CT detects infection with high sensistivity in congenital heart defects. PET CT is reliable to exclude or confirm ventricular assist device infection. PET CT is able to differentiate endocarditis despite devices implanted.