Language

English

Publication Date

6-1-2024

Journal

JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging

DOI

10.1016/j.jcmg.2024.01.004

PMID

38466252

Abstract

This document on cardiovascular infection, including infective endocarditis, is the first in the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology Imaging Indications (ASNC I2) series to assess the role of radionuclide imaging in the multimodality context for the evaluation of complex systemic diseases with multisocietal involvement including pertinent disciplines. A rigorous modified Delphi approach was used to determine consensus clinical indications, diagnostic criteria, and an algorithmic approach to diagnosis of cardiovascular infection including infective endocarditis. Cardiovascular infection incidence is increasing and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Current strategies based on clinical criteria and an initial echocardiographic imaging approach are effective but often insufficient in complicated cardiovascular infection. Radionuclide imaging with fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (CT) and single photon emission computed tomography/CT leukocyte scintigraphy can enhance the evaluation of suspected cardiovascular infection by increasing diagnostic accuracy, identifying extracardiac involvement, and assessing cardiac implanted device pockets, leads, and all portions of ventricular assist devices. This advanced imaging can aid in key medical and surgical considerations. Consensus diagnostic features include focal/multifocal or diffuse heterogenous intense 18F-FDG uptake on valvular and prosthetic material, perivalvular areas, device pockets and leads, and ventricular assist device hardware persisting on non-attenuation corrected images. There are numerous clinical indications with a larger role in prosthetic valves, and cardiac devices particularly with possible infective endocarditis or in the setting of prior equivocal or non-diagnostic imaging. Illustrative cases incorporating these consensus recommendations provide additional clarification. Future research is necessary to refine application of these advanced imaging tools for surgical planning, to identify treatment response, and more.

Keywords

Humans, Algorithms, Cardiovascular Infections, Consensus, Delphi Technique, Endocarditis, Fluorodeoxyglucose F18, Leukocytes, Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography, Predictive Value of Tests, Prognosis, Prosthesis-Related Infections, Radiopharmaceuticals, Reproducibility of Results, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography Computed Tomography, (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT, SPECT/CT leukocyte scintigraphy, appropriate use, cardiovascular infection, infective endocarditis

Published Open-Access

yes

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