Imaging Modalities for the Diagnosis of Vascular Graft Infections: A Consensus Paper amongst Different Specialists
Chiara Lauri, Roberto Iezzi, Michele Rossi, Giovanni Tinelli, Simona Sica, Alberto Signore, Alessandro Posa, Alessandro Tanzilli, Chiara Panzera, Maurizio Taurino, Paola Anna Erba, Yamume Tshomba
Abstract
Vascular graft infection (VGI) is a rare but severe complication of vascular surgery that is associated with a bad prognosis and high mortality rate. An accurate and prompt identification of the infection and its extent is crucial for the correct management of the patient. However, standardized diagnostic algorithms and a univocal consensus on the best strategy to reach a diagnosis still do not exist. This review aims to summarize different radiological and Nuclear Medicine (NM) modalities commonly adopted for the imaging of VGI. Moreover, we attempt to provide evidence-based answers to several practical questions raised by clinicians and surgeons when they approach imaging in order to plan the most appropriate radiological or NM examination for their patients.