Added Value of Abnormal Lymph Nodes Detected with FDG-PET/CT in Suspected Vascular Graft Infection

Nick D. van Rijsewijk; Jasper H. G. Helthuis; Andor W. J. M. Glaudemans; Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker; Niek H. J. Prakken; David J. Liesker; Ben R. Saleem; Riemer H. J. A. Slart

doi:10.3390/biology12020251

Biology (Feb 2023)

Added Value of Abnormal Lymph Nodes Detected with FDG-PET/CT in Suspected Vascular Graft Infection

Nick D. van Rijsewijk,
Jasper H. G. Helthuis,
Andor W. J. M. Glaudemans,
Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker,
Niek H. J. Prakken,
David J. Liesker,
Ben R. Saleem,
Riemer H. J. A. Slart

Affiliations

Nick D. van Rijsewijk: Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
Jasper H. G. Helthuis: Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
Andor W. J. M. Glaudemans: Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
Marjan Wouthuyzen-Bakker: Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
Niek H. J. Prakken: Medical Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
David J. Liesker: Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
Ben R. Saleem: Department of Vascular Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
Riemer H. J. A. Slart: Medical Imaging Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biology12020251
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 12, no. 2
p. 251

Abstract

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Vascular graft and endograft infections (VGEI) cause a serious morbidity and mortality burden. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) imaging is frequently used in the diagnostic workup, but the additional value of abnormal (18F-FDG active and/or enlarged) locoregional lymph nodes is unknown. In this retrospective study, the additional diagnostic value of abnormal locoregional lymph nodes on 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging for VGEI was evaluated, including 54 patients with a culture-proven VGEI (defined according to the Management of Aortic Graft Infection [MAGIC] group classification) and 25 patients without VGEI. 18F-FDG PET/CT was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed for tracer uptake and pattern at the location of the vascular graft, and locoregional lymph node uptake and enlargement (>10 mm). 18F-FDG uptake intensity and pattern independently predicted the presence of VGEI by logistic regression (Χ2: 46.19, p p = 0.009) and 18.32 (95% CI [3.95, 84.88], p 18F-FDG uptake intensity and pattern at the vascular graft location did not independently predict the presence of VGEI by logistic regression (Χ2: 3.60, p = 0.058; OR: 8.25, 95% CI [0.74, 63.37], p = 0.096). In conclusion, detection of abnormal locoregional lymph nodes on 18F-FDG PET/CT has a high specificity (96%) and PPV (95%) for VGEI. However, it did not add to currently used 18F-FDG PET/CT interpretation criteria.

Published in Biology

ISSN: 2079-7737 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Science: Biology (General)
Website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biology

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