Aortic graft infection (Bentall procedure)

Case submitted by Nazim Coskun

43-year-old female

Underwent Bentall prodecure 2 years ago

Presented with fever and sternal wound drainage

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Heterogeneously increased FDG uptake around the ascending aortic graft (SUVmax: 12.42). Metallic sutures and increased FDG uptake in the sternal corpus (SUVmax: 7.85). Increased FDG uptake in presternal subcutaneous tissue, indicative of mediastinitis (SUVmax: 8.23)

Case Notes

Bentall procedure is a surgical reconstruction technique involving the replacement of the aortic valve, aortic root, and ascending aorta, with reimplantation of the coronary arteries, utilized in the treatment of various aortic pathologies. Graft infection following Bentall procedure occurs in 1% to 5% of cases and is asscociated with a mortality rate of 7% to 21% . FDG PET/CT can distinguish between typical postoperative alterations and infection, potentially serving as a diagnostic tool for graft infection in patients undergoing Bentall procedure.

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Updated on Apr 02, 2024