Valuable Role of <sup>18</sup>F-Fluorodeoxyglucose-PET/computed Tomography in Therapeutic Decision-Making of Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders.
Authors
Affiliations (2)
Affiliations (2)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India.
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India. Electronic address: [email protected].
Abstract
18F-FDG (18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose)-PET/computed tomography (CT) has emerged as a pivotal molecular imaging modality that extends beyond diagnosis to influence therapeutic decision-making in infectious and inflammatory diseases. By detecting increased glucose metabolism in activated inflammatory cells, it enables whole-body visualization of active disease before structural abnormalities become apparent on conventional imaging. Quantitative parameters support reproducible longitudinal monitoring. Its incorporation into international guidelines highlights its growing role in precision-guided management. Emerging technologies, including digital and long axial field-of-view PET/CT, artificial intelligence, radiomics, PET/MR imaging, and pathogen-specific or immune cell-specific tracers, may further enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment.