Spine Infections: The Role of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG PET) in the Context of the Actual Diagnosis Guideline

Abstract

: Spondylodiscitis is an infectious process which requires numerous health care professionals in order to be clearly diagnosed and eventually, successfully treated. It implies a variety of microbiological agents and condition; during the diagnostic workup it is difficult to correctly identify them, and the clinician has to rapidly choose the most correct treatment, in order to avoid permanent injuries to the patient. In this context it comes our review work: based on current guidelines and literature available we wanted to deeply understand the most proper use of Positron Emission Tomography with 18-Fluoro-deossi-glucose (FDG PET) in a patient with the suspect of spondylodiscitis. We wanted to review the role of FDG PET in the spondylodiscitis diagnosis and follow up in the context of the current guidelines.