Abstract
Background
Diagnosis of aortic graft infection is challenging, and delayed diagnosis is associated with poor prognosis. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has improved diagnostic accuracy.
Case summary
A patient with a history of congenital heart disease was admitted due to fever. He had a history of four cardiac surgeries, including the Bentall procedure for endocarditis. Blood cultures were negative. A semi-mobile mass was detected in the distal portion of the aortic tube graft in echocardiography. PET/CT scan was used to confirm tube graft infection and to support proceeding to cardiac surgery.
Discussion
Using multimodality imaging, including PET/CT scan in combination with echocardiography, can improve diagnostic accuracy for the detection of aortic tube graft infection, infection of prosthetic valves, or intra-cardiac devices, especially in high-risk surgical cases.
Role of PET/CT scan in identifying late-onset graft infection following Bentall procedure
