Infection of ventricular assist device detected and monitored by 18F-FDG PET/CT

Abstract : We report a case of a 59-year-old man who presented with fever, sepsis, and left cervicothoracic cutaneous inflammation 13 months after implantation of Jarvik 2000 device. Device infection was suspected and 18F-FDG PET/CT showed an intense and homogeneous uptake along driveline cable. Bacteriological local sample showed Staphylococcus aureus. After adapted antibiotherapy, control 18F-FDG PET/CT displays treatment efficacy with no residual uptake in driveline. 18F-FDG PET/CT could be an important tool for early noninvasive detection of left ventricular assist device infection and monitoring antibiotherapy response.