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

oleh: 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

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2023-02-01

Deskripsi

Vascular graft and endograft infections (VGEI) cause a serious morbidity and mortality burden. <sup>18</sup>F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (<sup>18</sup>F-FDG PET/CT) imaging is frequently used in the diagnostic workup, but the additional value of abnormal (<sup>18</sup>F-FDG active and/or enlarged) locoregional lymph nodes is unknown. In this retrospective study, the additional diagnostic value of abnormal locoregional lymph nodes on <sup>18</sup>F-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. <sup>18</sup>F-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). <sup>18</sup>F-FDG uptake intensity and pattern independently predicted the presence of VGEI by logistic regression (Χ<sup>2</sup>: 46.19, <i>p</i> < 0.001), with an OR of 7.38 (95% CI [1.65, 32.92], <i>p</i> = 0.009) and 18.32 (95% CI [3.95, 84.88], <i>p</i> < 0.001), respectively. Single visual assessment of abnormal locoregional lymph nodes predicted the presence of VGEI with a sensitivity of 35%, specificity of 96%, PPV of 95%, and NPV of 41%. The visual assessment of abnormal lymph nodes after qualitative assessment of <sup>18</sup>F-FDG uptake intensity and pattern at the vascular graft location did not independently predict the presence of VGEI by logistic regression (Χ<sup>2</sup>: 3.60, <i>p</i> = 0.058; OR: 8.25, 95% CI [0.74, 63.37], <i>p</i> = 0.096). In conclusion, detection of abnormal locoregional lymph nodes on <sup>18</sup>F-FDG PET/CT has a high specificity (96%) and PPV (95%) for VGEI. However, it did not add to currently used <sup>18</sup>F-FDG PET/CT interpretation criteria.