title: Early detection of encephalitis with (18)F-FDG PET/CT.
abstract: Encephalitis is a relatively rare condition for which making an accurate diagnosis can be challenging. In fact, clinical features are not specific and structural imaging can be normal in a considerable number of cases. However, an early diagnosis is important as many forms of treatment are effective if started promptly. Even though recent guidelines do not recommend (18)F-FDG PET/CT for patients with suspected encephalitis, the case presented suggests that (18)F-FDG PET/CT may play a relevant role for the early diagnosis of this clinical condition.
authors.affiliation: Nuclear Medicine Department, S. Andrea Hospital, La Spezia, Italy. Electronic address: mc.gaeta@gmail.com.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Gaeta
authors.affiliation: Neurology Department, S. Andrea Hospital, La Spezia, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Godani
authors.affiliation: Neuropathology and Neurology 5, IRCCS Foundation "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nunziata
authors.affiliation: Neuroradiology Unit, S. Andrea Hospital, La Spezia, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Capellini
authors.affiliation: Nuclear Medicine Department, S. Andrea Hospital, La Spezia, Italy.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ciarmiello
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D003128:Coma / Q000209:etiology; D038524:Diffusion Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D018450:Disease Progression; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D018792:Encephalitis, Viral / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005462:Fluorine Radioisotopes; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008457:Measles / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000209:etiology; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals
chemical_list: D005462:Fluorine Radioisotopes; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
keywords: Encefalitis; Encephalitis; FDG PET/CT; FDG PET/TC; MRI