METHODS: In this pictorial review, we present six different scenarios of using 18F-FDG PET-CT in the management of suspicious pulmonary nodule or mass. The advantages and limitations of 18F-FDG PET-CT and Herder model are discussed.
RESULTS: 18F-FDG PET-CT with risk assessment using Herder model provides added value in characterising indeterminate pulmonary nodules. Besides, 18F-FDG PET-CT is valuable to guide the site of biopsy and provide accurate staging of lung cancer.
CONCLUSION: To further improve its diagnostic accuracy, careful history taking, and CT morphological evaluation should be taken into consideration when interpreting 18FFDG PET-CT findings in patients with these nodules.
METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in Hospital Seri Manjung, Perak, Malaysia. All cases of blood culture proven PB that occurred between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2019 were reviewed. Subjects below 12 year old and whose index blood cultures grew more than one organism were excluded. Demographic, clinical and treatment data were collected using pre-tested data collection forms and analysed using SPSS version 20.0.
RESULTS: Among the 59 subjects included, healthcare associated (HCA) infections were the most prevalent, next to hospital onset (HO) and community onset (CO) infections. The commonest underlying comorbidities were cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Respiratory tract was the most frequently implicated source amongst all, while the urinary tract was more frequently implicated as the source of infection among HCA cases. Seventeen patients were admitted to ICU, and they were predominantly from the HO group. Despite having a higher rate of adequate empirical antibiotics administered, the HO group reported the lowest 30-day survival rate. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated the following were independent predictors of 30-day mortality: requiring mechanical ventilator support, requiring central venous line insertion, not requiring surgery, and receiving inappropriate definite antibiotics.
CONCLUSION: The incidence of community onset PB was appreciably low, as cases were predominantly HCA and HO in origin. Significant morbidities were observed among pseudomonal infections, with HO infections portending the worst prognosis. Lastly, prognostic factors for determining the mortality caused by PB depended more on the severity of sepsis than the timeliness of appropriate antibiotics.