Contributory Role of Positron Emission Tomography in a Left Ventricular Assist Device Recipient at the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In this study, We report on the use of fluorine 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) scan examinations for the diagnosis of COVID-19 respiratory syndrome in asymptomatic left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients. Thus, extreme caution and thoughtful approaches should be taken for a timely detection in delicate LVAD populations, especially if patients are living in a high-density COVID-19-infected area, and the potential intention for LVAD treatment is bridge to transplantation. ASAIO Journal XXX; XX:00-00.

SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2: A Diagnostic Challenge

“…Humans with COVID-19 typically have a fever and the estimated time for incubation is within 2 weeks [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] . Most infected individuals with SARS-CoV-2 virus suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses.…”

“…Its global epidemic can pose a risk everywhere because of contemporary life and extensive travel of people and goods [5] , [6] , [7] . Recently, 3 new viruses have been implicated in severe acute illness, namely Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona-Virus (SARS-CoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona-Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-Corona-Virus (MERS-CoV) [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] . At present, the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic has disrupted global supply chains, production, tourism, trade and commerce.…”

“…The automotive industry was especially severely affected. As a result of travel bans in various countries, restauranteurs, travel agencies and public transport service providers have been badly affected [8] , [9] , [10] , [11] , [12] . Tourism-dependent countries such as Malaysia and Thailand are indeed struggling financially as scared visitors opt not to venture out.…”

“…Tourism-dependent countries such as Malaysia and Thailand are indeed struggling financially as scared visitors opt not to venture out. On the other hand, stock markets responded extremely strongly to the pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 virus [10] , [11] , [12] . Most companies in Asian countries have implemented stringent guidelines and restrictions to reduce the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to an appropriate level through a confluence of management control and prevention measures [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] .…”

“…SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV cause acute illness and are often fatal. Even though lung injury was being reported at all age groups, in certain cases, including the older people or those with co-occurring diseases, the above-foresaid viruses seem to more probable to cause multi-organ failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome and intestinal pneumonia, which are vulnerable to heart failure and high mortality rates [10] , [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] . Due to the high mortality rate, it has a twin negative effect: the huge responsibility on the pubic healthcare system, including certain healthcare professionals and the prescribing physician as well as fear of outsourcing one or more of them amongst the public [13] , [14] , [15] , [16] .…”