Abstract
Introduction: Whole body FDG positron emission tomography (PET) scan is increasingly being used in the management of a variety of cancers and infections. Cancer patients and other very sick patients have central venous catheters, which could be associated with common complications like thrombosis and infections. We describe catheter-related focal FDG uptake on whole body FDG PET scans in 4 patients. Materials and Methods: Four patients underwent whole body FDG-PET scanning 60 minutes after intravenous injection of F18-FDG (2 for localization of site of infection, 1 for primary cancer site localization, and 1 for restaging of colon cancer). The whole body PET images were compared and correlated with the patients' history, radiology and laboratory tests. Results: Focal and intense FDG activity is seen in all 4 patients at the distal end of the intravenous catheter. The average SUV of this activity was 6.3 (n = 3). Catheter-related thrombosis was identified as the cause of FDG activity in 3 patients, whereas catheter-related infection was considered in one patient. Conclusion: Focal and intense FDG activity, in relation to the distal end of a central venous catheter, has a benign etiology, usually seen with catheter-related venous thrombosis and can be seen with catheter related infection.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 238-242 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Clinical Nuclear Medicine |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2004 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Catheter
- Complications
- FDG-PET
- Thrombosis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging