18F-FDG PET/CT in the Diagnosis and Management of Continuous Flow Left Ventricular Assist Device Infections: A Case Series and Review of the Literature. Issue 2 (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Akin, Sakir; Muslem, Rahat; Constantinescu, Alina A.; Manintveld, Olivier C.; Birim, Ozcan; Brugts, Jasper J.; Maat, Alexander P.W.M.; Fröberg, Alida C.; Bogers, Ad J.J.C.; Caliskan, Kadir
• Is Part Of: ASAIO journal. Volume 64:Issue 2(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: left ventricular assist devices -- infection -- 18F-FDG PET/CT; Artificial organs -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000000552
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1058-2916

Abstract

Abstract : Implantable continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are increasingly used in end-stage heart failure treatment as a bridge-to-transplant and destination therapy (DT). However, LVADs still have major drawbacks, such as infections that can cause morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, appropriate diagnosis of LVAD-related and LVAD-specific infections can be very cumbersome. The differentiation between deep and superficial infections is crucial in clinical decision-making. Despite a decade of experience in using fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) to diagnose various infections, its use in LVAD patients remains scarce. In this case series, we review the current evidence in literature and describe our single center experience using 18 F-FDG PET/CT for the diagnosis and management of LVAD infections. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.