18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography as a novel imaging tool for the diagnosis of aortoenteric fistula and aortic graft infection--a case report

Vasc Endovascular Surg. 2003 Sep-Oct;37(5):363-6. doi: 10.1177/153857440303700509.

Abstract

The diagnosis of aortic graft infection and aortoenteric fistula can be difficult to establish using conventional radiographic imaging modalities. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) can rapidly provide anatomically clear images and define areas of inflammation with increased glucose metabolism. In this report the authors present a case of aortoenteric fistula diagnosed by FDG-PET. Early diagnosis led to rapid surgical intervention with graft removal and extraanatomic bypass. These encouraging results warrant larger controlled studies to evaluate the utility of FDG-PET in the diagnosis of prosthetic aortic graft infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / surgery
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis / adverse effects*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / adverse effects
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Digestive System Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Digestive System Fistula / etiology
  • Digestive System Fistula / surgery
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / diagnostic imaging*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / surgery
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed / methods*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
  • Vascular Fistula / etiology
  • Vascular Fistula / surgery

Substances

  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18