[18F]FDG PET/CT in cardiovascular infections: a practical approach

Cardiovascular infections have a high mortality rate requiring prompt diagnosis and timely management. [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has emerged as a valuable diagnostic imaging modality for various cardiovascular infections, including infective endocarditis (IE) and cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) infections, particularly when the diagnosis remains challenging. In this article, we provide an overview of the epidemiology and clinical presentation of IE and CIED-related infections, the indications for 18F-FDG-PET/CT and its incremental role in establishing diagnosis as well as illustrate a variety of clinical cases and discuss interpretation criteria.