Study of FDG-PETCT Scan Use in Adults with Suspected Native Valve Infective Endocarditis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a multicenter prospective observational study to understand the impact of FDG-PETCT imaging on patients suspected of having native valve infective endocarditis NVE. The study focuses on patients classified as having Possible Infective Endocarditis IE using the modified Duke criteria and are evaluated at one of six participating hospitals, including specialized cardiac and tertiary care centers. This study aims to improve the diagnosis and management of native valve infections. Participants undergo FDG-PETCT scans as part of their evaluation. The study does not involve any investigational drugs or treatments but observes how the addition of FDG-PETCT affects diagnostic classification and management decisions. It also examines various diagnostic performance measures such as sensitivity and specificity of FDG-PET and the Duke criteria with or without transesophageal echocardiography TEE. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor participants for up to three months to assess outcomes including reclassification of diagnosis, detection of septic emboli, and incidental findings like cancer. Data collection includes imaging results, clinical assessments, and comparisons of imaging uptake values. Safety considerations include the ability of patients to tolerate the PETCT scan and exclusion of those with prosthetic valves, pregnancy, or high body mass index. The total study participation time aligns with clinical follow-up over several months.

Impact of FDG-PET/CT on Management of Patients with Native Valve Infective Endocarditis