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01-08-2013 | Short Communication

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of occult bacterial infections in children

Authors: Teresa del Rosal, Walter A. Goycochea, Ana Méndez-Echevarría, Marta García-Fernández de Villalta, Fernando Baquero-Artigao, Mónica Coronado, Maria Dolores Marín, Luis Albajara

Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 8/2013

Abstract

The role of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) in the diagnosis and follow-up of infectious diseases has expanded recently. The aim of this report is to communicate our experience regarding its role in the diagnosis and management of occult bacterial infections in children. We present three pediatric patients with occult bacterial infections and negative conventional studies in whom ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT had a significant effect on clinical management. One patient had streptococcal endocarditis and prolonged fever. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT identified pneumonia and osteomyelitis, and was also used to monitor therapeutic response. Other patient had a cerebrospinal shunt fluid infection. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT was used to determine the exact localization of infection and establish the best surgical approach. The last patient had fever of unknown origin. ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT identified splenic abscesses, which were surgically treated. Conclusion: ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT should be considered as a useful diagnostic tool in children with suspected bacterial infections, if conventional diagnostic imaging techniques have failed to yield positive results.

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Title: 18F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of occult bacterial infections in children
Authors: Teresa del Rosal
Walter A. Goycochea
Ana Méndez-Echevarría
Marta García-Fernández de Villalta
Fernando Baquero-Artigao
Mónica Coronado
Maria Dolores Marín
Luis Albajara
Publication date: 01-08-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 8/2013
Print ISSN: 0340-6199
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1076
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-013-1983-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of occult bacterial infections in children

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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