Targeting Cardiovascular Implant Infection: Multimodality and Molecular Imaging. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sohns, Jan M.; Bavendiek, Udo; Ross, Tobias L.; Bengel, Frank M.
• Is Part Of: Circulation. Volume 10:Number 12(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: echocardiography -- endocarditis -- infection -- molecular imaging; Cardiovascular system -- Imaging -- Periodicals; Heart -- Imaging -- Periodicals; 616.1075405
• DOI: 10.1161/CIRCIMAGING.117.005376
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1941-9651

Abstract

Abstract : Owing to their success in clinical practice, the prevalence of cardiovascular implants is continuously increasing. Implant infection is a relevant complication but remains a diagnostic challenge because echocardiography as a first-line test may be limited. Accordingly, a multimodality approach is increasingly used for diagnostic workup and supported by recent guidelines. As reviewed here, computed tomography and nuclear imaging provide incremental diagnostic value and may be combined in a single hybrid imaging session using positron emission tomography/computed tomography or single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography. Molecular or cellular imaging helps to overcome the limitations of morphological imaging in implants. Larger-scale clinical studies, earlier application in the time course of diagnosis, monitoring of therapy success, technical advances, and novel radiopharmaceuticals will all contribute to sustained growth of advanced infection-targeted imaging in cardiovascular medicine. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.