1
|
Buchrits S, McNeil R, Avni T, Fredman D, Guz D, Gafter-Gvili A. The Contribution of 18F FDG PET-CT for the Investigation of Fever of Unknown Origin and Inflammation of Unknown Origin. Am J Med 2024; 137:629-639. [PMID: 38499136 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fever of unknown origin and inflammation of unknown origin are highly challenging diagnostic conditions. The current practice for evaluating patients is to conduct a positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan as either a first- or a second-line modality. We aimed to assess the contributory effect of PET-CT to the diagnosis and compare it with the contributory effect of CT alone. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. We included all cohorts that examined the contribution of PET-CT to the investigation of classical fever of unknown origin and inflammation of unknown origin. The primary outcome was the contribution of PET-CT to the final diagnosis. Secondary outcomes were sensitivity and specificity of PET-CT and CT scans, and contribution of a CT scan. We pooled the results of all studies and calculated the pooled contributory effect of PET-CT. RESULT Thirty-six studies (3516 patients) were included in the systematic review. The pooled contribution of PET-CT was 75.4%. The compiled sensitivity and specificity values for all studies were 85.9% and 59.5%, respectively. Five studies (405 patients) compared between the PET-CT component and the total body CT component. The pooled contribution of a CT scan was 68%. The summed sensitivity and specificity values of a CT scan for all studies were 63.1% and 84.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS PET-CT has a contributory effect of 75% for the diagnosis of fever of unknown origin and inflammation of unknown origin. PET-CT had superior sensitivity and inferior specificity vs the CT scan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shira Buchrits
- Internal Medicine Department A, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel; Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Rotem McNeil
- Internal Medicine Department A, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Tomer Avni
- Internal Medicine Department A, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Danielle Fredman
- Internal Medicine Department A, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Dmitri Guz
- Internal Medicine Department A, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Anat Gafter-Gvili
- Internal Medicine Department A, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel; Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hess S, Noriega-Álvarez E, Leccisotti L, Treglia G, Albano D, Roivainen A, Glaudemans AWJM, Gheysens O. EANM consensus document on the use of [ 18F]FDG PET/CT in fever and inflammation of unknown origin. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:2597-2613. [PMID: 38676736 PMCID: PMC11224117 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-024-06732-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with fever and inflammation of unknown origin (FUO/IUO) are clinically challenging due to variable clinical presentations with nonspecific symptoms and many differential diagnoses. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) is increasingly used in FUO and IUO, but the optimal diagnostic strategy remains controversial. This consensus document aims to assist clinicians and nuclear medicine specialists in the appropriate use of [18F]FDG-PET/CT in FUO and IUO based on current evidence. METHODS A working group created by the EANM infection and inflammation committee performed a systematic literature search based on PICOs with "patients with FUO/IUO" as population, "[18F]FDG-PET/CT" as intervention, and several outcomes including pre-scan characteristics, scan protocol, diagnostic yield, impact on management, prognosis, and cost-effectiveness. RESULTS We included 68 articles published from 2001 to 2023: 9 systematic reviews, 49 original papers on general adult populations, and 10 original papers on specific populations. All papers were analysed and included in the evidence-based recommendations. CONCLUSION FUO and IUO remains a clinical challenge and [18F]FDG PET/CT has a definite role in the diagnostic pathway with an overall diagnostic yield or helpfulness in 50-60% of patients. A positive scan is often contributory by directly guiding treatment or subsequent diagnostic procedure. However, a negative scan may be equally important by excluding focal disease and predicting a favorable prognosis. Similar results are obtained in specific populations such as ICU-patients, children and HIV-patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Søren Hess
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Edel Noriega-Álvarez
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Spain
| | - Lucia Leccisotti
- Section of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiological Sciences and Haematology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Treglia
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Domenico Albano
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anne Roivainen
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- InFLAMES Research Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Andor W J M Glaudemans
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen, 9700 RB, The Netherlands.
| | - Olivier Gheysens
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc and Institute of Clinical and Experimental Research (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Singh SB, Shrestha N, Bhandari S, Shrestha S, Shrestha B, Shrestha N, Rijal S, Singh R, Hess S, Werner TJ, Alavi A, Revheim ME. [ 18F]FDG PET/CT for identifying the causes of fever of unknown origin (FUO). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING 2024; 14:87-96. [PMID: 38737639 PMCID: PMC11087293 DOI: 10.62347/oqqc6007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) continues to be a challenging diagnosis in clinical medicine. It has more than 200 known causes, including infections, autoimmune diseases, neoplasia, and other miscellaneous disorders. Despite the development of a wide range of diagnostic tools, a specific diagnostic algorithm for FUO is not yet available. However, [18F]FDG PET/CT, which yields information on cellular metabolism, in addition to details of organ anatomy, has been shown to be successful in the FUO investigation. This study highlights the uses of [18F]FDG PET/CT in diagnosing various causes of FUO. [18F]FDG PET/CT has been increasingly used to detect septic infections, sterile inflammatory processes, and malignancies, occupying a significant portion of the known causes of FUO. It has led to a more definitive identification of the etiology of FUO and accurate clinical management. However, more in-depth studies are crucial to understanding if [18F]FDG PET/CT can be used in the work-up of FUO.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shashi B Singh
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Current affiliation: Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Sadikshya Bhandari
- Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University School of Medical SciencesDhulikhel, Kavre 11008, Nepal
| | - Suprita Shrestha
- Nepal Medical College Teaching HospitalAttarkhel, Kathmandu 13344, Nepal
| | | | | | - Swarnima Rijal
- Kathmandu Medical CollegeSinamangal, Kathmandu 21266, Nepal
| | | | - Soren Hess
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University HospitalOdense 5000, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern DenmarkOdense 5230, Denmark
| | - Thomas J Werner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of The University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mona-Elisabeth Revheim
- The Intervention Center, Rikshospitalet, Division for Technology and Innovation, Oslo University HospitalOslo 0424, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of OsloOslo 0313, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Palestro CJ, Brandon DC, Dibble EH, Keidar Z, Kwak JJ. FDG PET in Evaluation of Patients With Fever of Unknown Origin: AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2023; 221:151-162. [PMID: 36722759 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.22.28726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a diagnostic challenge, with its cause remaining undiagnosed in approximately half of patients. Nuclear medicine tests typically are performed after a negative or inconclusive initial workup. Gallium-67 citrate and labeled leukocytes were previous mainstays of radionuclide imaging for FUO, although they had limited diagnostic performance. FDG PET/CT has subsequently emerged as the nuclear medicine imaging test of choice, supported by a growing volume of evidence. A positive FDG PET/CT result contributes useful information by identifying potential causes of fever, localizing sites for further evaluation, and guiding further management; a negative result contributes useful information by excluding focal disease as the cause of fever and predicts a favorable prognosis. In 2021, CMS rescinded a prior national noncoverage determination for FDG PET for infection and inflammation, leading to increasing national utilization of FDG PET/CT for FUO workup. This article reviews the current status of the role of FDG PET/CT in the evaluation of patients with FUO. The literature reporting the diagnostic performance and yield of FDG PET/CT in FUO workup is summarized, with comparison with historically used nuclear medicine tests included. Attention is also given to the test's clinical impact; protocol, cost, and radiation considerations; and application in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Palestro
- Department of Radiology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY
- Division of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging, Northwell Health, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, 270-05 76th Ave, New Hyde Park, NY 11040
| | - David C Brandon
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta VA Medical Center, Atlanta, GA
| | - Elizabeth H Dibble
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI
| | - Zohar Keidar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jennifer J Kwak
- Department of Radiology, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Singh SB, Bhandari S, Siwakoti S, Bhatta R, Raynor WY, Werner TJ, Alavi A, Hess S, Revheim ME. Is Imaging Bacteria with PET a Realistic Option or an Illusion? Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13071231. [PMID: 37046449 PMCID: PMC10093025 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13071231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The application of [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) as a radiotracer to detect sites of inflammation (either due to bacterial infection or primary inflammation) has led to exploring the role of PET in visualizing bacteria directly at sites of infection. However, the results from such efforts are controversial and inconclusive so far. We aimed to assess the limitations of PET as an effective modality in the diagnosis of bacterial infections. Inflammation due to bacterial infections can be visualized by using [18F]FDG-PET. However, the non-specificity of [18F]FDG makes it undesirable to visualize bacteria as the underlying cause of inflammation. Hence, more specific radiotracers that possibly bind to or accumulate in bacteria-specific receptors or enzymes are being explored. Several radiotracers, including 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluorosorbitol ([18F]FDS), 6-[18F]-fluoromaltose, [11C]para-aminobenzoic acid ([11C]PABA), radiolabeled trimethoprim (11C-TMP) and its analog fluoropropyl-trimethoprim (18F-FPTMP), other radiolabeled sugars, and antimicrobial drugs have been used to image microorganisms. Unfortunately, no progress has been made in translating the results to routine human use; feasibility and other factors have constrained their success in clinical settings. In the current article, we discuss the limitations of direct bacterial visualization with PET tracers, but emphasize the important role of [18F]FDG-PET as the only option for detecting evidence of infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shashi B Singh
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sadikshya Bhandari
- Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel 45200, Nepal
| | - Shisir Siwakoti
- Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences, Dhulikhel Hospital, Dhulikhel 45200, Nepal
| | - Rabi Bhatta
- Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairahawa 32900, Nepal
| | - William Y Raynor
- Department of Radiology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 1 Robert Wood Johnson Place, MEB #404, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Thomas J Werner
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Abass Alavi
- Department of Radiology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Soren Hess
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Hospital Southwest Jutland, 6700 Esbjerg, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, 5230 Odense, Denmark
| | - Mona-Elisabeth Revheim
- The Intervention Center, Division of Technology and Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Division for Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Norway and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
van Rijsewijk ND, IJpma FFA, Wouthuyzen-Bakker M, Glaudemans AWJM. Molecular Imaging of Fever of Unknown Origin: An Update. Semin Nucl Med 2023; 53:4-17. [PMID: 35902280 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2022.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
18F-FDG PET/CT, 67Ga-citrate and white blood cell (WBC) scintigraphy are molecular imaging techniques currently used in the diagnostic workup of fever of unknown origin. However, it is unknown which technique fits which patient group best. A systematic literature search has been performed for original articles regarding the use of molecular imaging in fever of unknown origin. A total of 820 eligible studies were screened of which 63 articles evaluating 5094 patients met the inclusion criteria. 18F-FDG PET/CT provided good diagnostic accuracy (with a weighted mean sensitivity, specificity, positive predicting value, negative predictive value, accuracy and helpfulness of 84.4%, 61.8%, 80.7%, 67.8%, 76.3%, and 61.1%, respectively). Even within specific patient groups such as children, elderly, patients with connective tissue diseases, patients on renal replacement therapy, and HIV-infected patients, 18F-FDG PET/CT provided good diagnostic values. For 67Ga-citrate scintigraphy, the weighted mean sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and helpfulness were 42.2%, 80.3%, 82.4%, 41.9%, and 42.2%, respectively. WBC scintigraphy shows a weighted mean sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of 73.5%, 86.3%, 79.1%, 82.4%, and 79.5%, respectively. However, compared to 67Ga-citrate and WBC scintigraphy, significantly more research has been performed using 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT has the advantage of relatively short procedural duration; it is therefore the preferred molecular diagnostic imaging technique. 67Ga-citrate and WBC scintigraphy can only be considered if 18F-FDG PET/CT is not available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nick D van Rijsewijk
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Frank F A IJpma
- Department of Trauma Surgery, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andor W J M Glaudemans
- Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Elshalakani MOM, Chalabi N, Hanafy HM, Othman AIA. Diagnostic value of FDG-PET/CT in fever of unknown origin. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2022. [PMCID: PMC8886350 DOI: 10.1186/s43055-022-00725-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) is a challenging clinical problem in medicine that needs collaboration of various diagnostic techniques to establish the accurate diagnosis. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients who presented themselves with FUO. Our study included 40 patients with FUO who underwent PET/CT examination and their results were compared to the results of laboratory, histopathological, microbiological investigations and/or response to therapy.
Results
The final diagnosis included malignancy in 20 patients (50%), infectious causes in 7 patients (17.5%) and non-infectious inflammatory causes in 6 patients (15%). Fever resolved without diagnosis in 4 patients (10%), while no definite diagnosis was reached in 3 patients (7%). PET/CT successfully contributed to diagnosis of 35 out of 40 patients with diagnostic accuracy of 87.5%. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of PET/CT in our study were 93.5%, 66.7%, 90.6% and 75%, respectively.
Conclusion
PET/CT is a useful tool to investigate and diagnose the cause of FUO. It provides information that can guide the treatment strategy of the patients.
Collapse
|
8
|
Betrains A, Moreel L, De Langhe E, Blockmans D, Vanderschueren S. Rheumatic disorders among patients with fever of unknown origin: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2022; 56:152066. [PMID: 35868032 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2022.152066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to estimate the proportion of fever of unknown origin (FUO) and inflammation of unknown origin (IUO) cases that are due to rheumatic disorders and the relative frequency of specific entities associated with FUO/IUO. METHODS We searched PubMed and EMBASE between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2021, for studies with ≥50 patients reporting on causes of FUO/IUO. The primary outcome was the proportion of FUO/IUO patients with rheumatic disease. Secondary outcomes include the association between study and patient characteristics and the proportion of rheumatic disease in addition to the relative frequency of rheumatic disorders within this group. Proportion estimates were calculated using random-effects models. RESULTS The included studies represented 16884 patients with FUO/IUO. Rheumatic disease explained 22.2% (95%CI 19.6 - 25.0%) of cases. Adult-onset Still's disease (22.8% [95%CI 18.4-27.9%]), giant cell arteritis (11.4% [95%CI 8.0-16.3%]), and systemic lupus erythematosus (11.1% [95%CI 9.0-13.8%]) were the most frequent disorders. The proportion of rheumatic disorders was significantly higher in high-income countries (25.9% [95%CI 21.5 - 30.8%]) versus middle-income countries (19.5% [95%CI 16.7 - 22.7%]) and in prospective studies (27.0% [95%CI 21.9-32.8%]) versus retrospective studies (20.6% [95%CI 18.1-24.0%]). Multivariable meta-regression analysis demonstrated that rheumatic disease was associated with the fever duration (0.011 [95%CI 0.003-0.021]; P=0.01) and with the fraction of patients with IUO (1.05 [95%CI 0.41-1.68]; P=0.002). CONCLUSION Rheumatic disorders are a common cause of FUO/IUO. The care of patients with FUO/IUO should involve physicians who are familiar with the diagnostic workup of rheumatic disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Betrains
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - L Moreel
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - E De Langhe
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - D Blockmans
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Vanderschueren
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, Leuven 3000, Belgium; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen JC, Wang Q, Li Y, Zhao YY, Gao P, Qiu LH, Hao KJ, Li HB, Yue MG, Zhou YS, Zhu JH, Gao Y, Gao ZC. Current situation and cost-effectiveness of 18F-FDG PET/CT for the diagnosis of fever of unknown origin and inflammation of unknown origin: a single-center, large-sample study from China. Eur J Radiol 2022; 148:110184. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2022.110184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
10
|
Yuvan S, Palaniswamy SS, Subramanyam P. “String of pearls sign” on FDG PET imaging in two patients with PUO of diverse etiologies and rare associations. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43055-021-00456-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) may be related to several pathologies that need to be identified for proper treatment. PET is found to have highest diagnostic yield in identifying various causes of PUO. The aim of this study is to highlight and justify the use of 18F FDG PET (Fluorine Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography) imaging as a whole body screening tool in two unique cases of febrile illness with lymphadenopathy but with diverse etiologies based on PET-guided biopsy. The unique arrangement of PET positive nodal disease as a “string of pearls sign” helps in easy identification of nodal disease.
Case presentation
The first case presented with fever and headache (past history of meningitis), high ferritin level, leukopenia, anemia, and raised inflammatory markers. CSF cell count was high, with mildly elevated protein and low glucose levels. PET positive nodes were biopsied; Kikuchi Fujimoto disease was confirmed with unexpected FDG avid pachymeningeal enhancements on PETMR indicating associated (active) meningitis which would have been missed if CT or MR was done as a standalone imaging. Lumbar puncture confirmed aseptic meningitis. The patient was treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, inj. methylprednisolone, and immunoglobulin together with hydroxychloroquine. The patient improved on follow-up. The second case presented with low-grade fever, pruritis, and nodular swellings in extremities, anemia, and pancytopenia. Based on PETCT findings, biopsy was attempted from FDG avid axillary nodes. Mantle cell lymphoma with rare nodular involvement of cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue was confirmed. Chemotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy was initiated, and the patient is doing well clinically.
Conclusion
The clinical impact of PET is twofold in both cases. It has accurately identified the nodal involvement even those subcentimetric in size by exhibiting a unique sign on PET resembling a “string of pearls” in the neck and chest with unrelated diverse etiologies. Secondly, additional findings of meningitis in the first case and cutaneous/subcutaneous nodular lymphomatous deposits in the second patient were possible only with whole body FDG PETMR/CT imaging. The rate of additional disease detection by PET is found to be greater than other conventional imaging modalities due to the functional basis of investigation.
Collapse
|
11
|
Emmanuel A. Transformation: fighting the past or building the new? Clin Med (Lond) 2020; 20:445. [DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.ed.20.5.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|