Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in infection of cardiovascular implantable electronic devices: review of the literature and initial experience.

Abstract

Infections involving cardiovascular implantable electronic devices are becoming increasingly common, and increasingly complex to manage. Advances in technology have made implantable electronic devices smaller, and easier to implant, and patients are now also more likely to be older, with more complex comorbidities. Infections related to these devices are, however, not decreasing, and in some settings, these are rising. There is a clinical need for more accurate tests for confirming or ruling out infected devices. In this article, we review the relevant literature and share our own initial experience.