Value of PET/CT Imaging in the Diagnosis of Permanent Central Venous Catheters Infection

Prospective Study on the Usefulness and Diagnostic Value of F-18-FDG PET/CT in the Diagnosis of Permanent Central Venous Catheters Infection

The study hypothesis is that F-18-FDG PET/CT and microcalorimetry might have a diagnostic value in the detection of permanent central venous catheters (PCVC) infection when conventional means of PCVC infection detection are non-conclusive.

Permanent central venous catheters are frequently infected and therefore need surgical removal. When a clear diagnostic for infection cannot be defined, catheter removal might be at risk for the patient, for the therapeutic follow-up and in terms of costs. PET/CT and microcalorimetry might help giving conclusive diagnostic of catheter infection.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with confirmed catheter infection requiring surgical removal
• patients with probable catheter infection requiring surgical removal
• patients with planned removal of uninfected catheter
• ≥18years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• extreme claustrophobia
• pregnancy and breastfeeding
• severe septicemia