Left Ventricular Assist Device Infection

Chaitanya Madamanchi, Sami El-Dalati, Marty Tam, Venkatesh L. Murthy, Richard L. Weinberg*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) improve survival and quality of life for end-stage heart failure patients [1]. Unfortunately, infection is a critical and common complication in patients with LVADs [2]. Diagnosis of LVAD infection in a timely fashion enables the selection and prompt initiation of therapy. However, because of the multiple internal and external components of LVADs, diagnosis and characterization of the extent of infection is particularly challenging. Furthermore, many patients may have other cardiac and extracardiac prosthetic devices. In addition to a comprehensive evaluation including history and physical, cultures, and biomarkers, imaging tests have an important role in the diagnosis of LVAD infections. In particular, FDG-PET/CT has emerged as a powerful imaging technique with high sensitivity and clinical value for diagnosing LVAD infections when added to a thorough clinical evaluation [3]. This chapter will review the epidemiology, and pathophysiology of LVAD infections, present diagnostic strategies, and offer a case-based discussion illustrating the utility of FDG-PET/CT in diagnosing LVAD infections.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationFDG-PET/CT and PET/MR in Cardiovascular Diseases
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages207-224
Number of pages18
ISBN (Electronic)9783031098079
ISBN (Print)9783031098062
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2022

Keywords

  • FDG-PET/CT
  • Heart failure
  • Imaging
  • Infection
  • Inflammation
  • LVAD

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Left Ventricular Assist Device Infection'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this