Role of gallium SPECT-CT in the diagnosis of left ventricular assist device infections

Dana T. Levy, Grace Y. Minamoto, Raphaella Da Silva, Yoram A. Puius, Naomi Peck, Daniel Goldstein, David D'alessandro, Victoria A. Muggia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Infection remains a well-established complication after the placement of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Defining the extent of infection is a challenging task as there are few effective imaging modalities and no standardized guidelines regarding imaging in the diagnosis of device-related infections (DRIs). The use of gallium with single photon emission tomography-computed tomography (Ga-SPECT-CT) has not been previously reported in localizing DRIs. We reviewed the charts and images of five patients with LVADs who underwent Ga-SPECT-CT for the diagnosis of various types of DRIs. Gallium SPECT-CT further clarified the extent of infections among LVAD patients, allowing for patient-specific tailored treatments including surgical debridement. Gallium SPECT-CT is a useful tool when diagnosing LVAD infections and could potentially be the imaging modality of choice in the near future. With improved imaging studies, such as Ga-SPECT-CT, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnoses of DRIs, the outcome of such infections is likely to improve.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)e5-e10
JournalASAIO Journal
Volume61
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 13 2015

Keywords

  • LVAD
  • gallium
  • infection

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Bioengineering
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomedical Engineering

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