Radiol Clin North Am. 2026 Nov;64(6):1075-1088. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2026.07.005. Epub 2026 Aug 26.
ABSTRACT
PET/computed tomography (CT) is an important tool for evaluating infectious, inflammatory, and immune-mediated diseases when conventional testing is inconclusive. This article reviews the clinical applications of fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/CT in fever of unknown origin, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal infections, large-vessel vasculitis, sarcoidosis, autoimmune disorders, and transplant rejection. Emphasis is placed on practical interpretation, characteristic imaging patterns, and factors affecting diagnostic accuracy, including patient preparation, myocardial suppression protocols, glucocorticoid therapy, and postoperative inflammation. Emerging PET approaches, such as immuno-PET, radiolabeled leukocyte PET, and bacteria-specific tracers, are also discussed, highlighting the shift toward more biologically specific imaging of infection, inflammation, and immune activity.
PMID:42957397 | DOI:10.1016/j.rcl.2026.07.005