Leukocyte SPECT/CT for detecting infection of left-ventricular-assist devices: preliminary results.
We report our experience with using integrated molecular and anatomic hybrid imaging to assess infection in patients who have a left-ventricular-assist device (LVAD).


METHODS
Thirteen (99m)Tc-exametazime-leukocyte planar and SPECT/CT scans were obtained for 8 consecutive patients who had an implanted LVAD. SPECT/CT was used to assess suspected device-related infections (n = 8) and to evaluate the efficiency of current antibiotic therapy (n = 5).


RESULTS
Device-related infection was seen on 8 of the 13 scans. SPECT/CT was positive for infection in all 8 patients, whereas planar scans were positive in 6 of 8. SPECT/CT provided relevant information on the extent of infection and its exact location in all patients. Additional distant infectious foci were demonstrated in 3 of 13 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
SPECT/CT led to an accurate diagnosis of LVAD-related infection, revealing both anatomic location and extent. This noninvasive approach could lead to improved therapeutic strategies.
Litzler
Pierre-Yves
PY
Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.
Manrique
Alain
A
Etienne
Manuel
M
Salles
Alice
A
Edet-Sanson
Agathe
A
Vera
Pierre
P
Bessou
Jean-Paul
JP
Hitzel
Anne
A
D000368:Aged; D002074:Butanones; D005260:Female; D006353:Heart-Assist Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016459:Prosthesis-Related Infections / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed; D015899:Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left
D002074:Butanones; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; C078058:exametazime