Additive Value of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Scan for Detection of Aortic Tube Graft Infection: A Case Report Publisher



Larti F¹ ; Khadembashiri MA¹ ; Abbasi M² ; Sherafati A¹
Source: European Heart Journal - Case Reports Published:2021

Abstract

Background Diagnosis of aortic graft infection is challenging, and delayed diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has improved diagnostic accuracy. Case summary A patient with a history of congenital heart disease was admitted due to fever. He had a history of four cardiac surgeries, including the Bentall procedure for endocarditis. Blood cultures were negative. A semi-mobile mass was detected in the distal portion of the aortic tube graft in echocardiography. PET/CT scan was used to confirm tube graft infection and to support proceeding to cardiac surgery. Discussion Using multimodality imaging, including PET/CT scan in combination with echocardiography, can improve diagnostic accuracy for the detection of aortic tube graft infection, infection of prosthetic valves, or intra-cardiac devices, especially in high-risk surgical cases. © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology.