Key result
18F-FDG PET/CT yields a low ~61% sensitivity for infectious endocarditis, proving insufficient for routine diagnosis.
Why the study?
The diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in infectious endocarditis was uncertain and required systematic evaluation.
Does 18F-FDG PET/CT improve diagnosis in patients with infectious endocarditis?
Population
246 patients with infectious endocarditis from 6 studies
Comparison
18F-FDG PET/CT imaging vs reference standards for IE diagnosis
Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors
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Supports caution against routine 18F-FDG PET/CT use in infectious endocarditis; leaves open targeted application in prosthetic valve and CIED cases.
Meta-Analysis (n=246)
Does 18F-FDG PET/CT improve diagnosis in patients with infectious endocarditis?
Odds Ratio: 6.98 (95% CI 2.55–19.1)
p-value: p=0.145
18F-FDG PET/CT has low overall sensitivity for diagnosing infectious endocarditis, but may be useful for specific cases such as cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections and prosthetic valve endocarditis.
Yan et al. (2016) conducted a meta-analysis in infectious endocarditis (n=246). 18F-FDG PET/CT was evaluated on diagnostic value (sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio) (DOR 6.98, 95% CI 2.55-19.10, p=0.145). 18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrated a low pooled sensitivity of 61% (95% CI 52-88%) and specificity of 88% for diagnosing infectious endocarditis, making it currently insufficient for routine diagnosis.
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