Additive value of positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan for detection of aortic tube graft infection: a case report

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.