Pediatric infection imaging focusing on FDG PET/CT: Techniques, safety, and indications.

Scintigraphic imaging remains pivotal in the evaluation of children with infectious and inflammatory diseases. Data acquired over the last several decades has demonstrated high efficacy of 2-[18F]Fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) for evaluation of infection; efficacy which far surpasses that of conventional agents like 67Gallium-citrate, labeled white blood cells and bone scintigraphy with 99mtechnetium methylene diphosphonate. While this manuscript provides an overview of scintigraphy in pediatric infection imaging, the primary focus is on the use of FDG-PET/CT for this indication. Safety concerns, recent advances in scanner technology and indications for FDG-PET/CT in infection are addressed.