Nucl Med Mol Imaging.  2017 Mar;51(1):86-87. 10.1007/s13139-016-0424-y.

FDG-PET Identification of Infected Pulmonary Artery Conduit Following Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) Repair

• Zhang Y
• Williams H
• Pucar D

• KMID: 2373460
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/s13139-016-0424-y

Abstract

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is one of the most common forms of cyanotic congenital heart disease usually managed by serial surgical repairs. The repaired prosthetic valve or conduit is susceptible to life-threatening infection. FDG-PET is an effective alternative to evaluate the source of infection when other examinations are inconclusive. We report an unusual case of an infected pulmonary artery conduit after TOF repair although the echocardiogram was negative for vegetation, which was later confirmed by surgery and pathology. The case highlights the role of FDG-PETas a problem-solving tool for potential endocarditis and cardiac device infection cases after complex cardiac surgery.

Keyword

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF); Pulmonary artery conduit; FDGPET/CT; Infection

MeSH Terms

Endocarditis
Heart Defects, Congenital
Pathology
Pulmonary Artery*
Tetralogy of Fallot*
Thoracic Surgery