The valve uptake index: improving assessment of prosthetic valve endocarditis and updating [18F]FDG PET/CT(A) imaging criteria.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Diagnosis of prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) by positron emission computed tomography angiography (PET/CTA) is based on visual and quantitative morpho-metabolic features. However, the fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake pattern can be sometimes visually unclear and susceptible to subjectivity. This study aimed to validate a new parameter, the valve uptake index [VUI, maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax)-mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean)/SUVmax], designed to provide a more objective indication of the distribution of metabolic activity. Secondly, to re-evaluate the utility of traditionally used PVE imaging criteria and determine the potential value of adding the VUI in the diagnostic algorithm of PVE.

Methods and results

Retrospective analysis of 122 patients

SUBMITTER: Roque A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9365301 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature