18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography differentiates between pneumonia and atelectasis in a mechanically ventilated patient.

This article discusses the challenges of differentiating between atelectasis and pneumonia in critically ill patients using regular computed tomography (CT). The study demonstrates the additional value of a 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ([18F]FDG PET/CT) scan in distinguishing between the two conditions. The scan was performed on a 61-year-old male patient with multiple organ failure, and the results showed normal physiological uptake in the myocardium, bilateral pleural effusion, and atelectasis with elevated [18F]FDG uptake in the left and right lower lobes. The high [18F]FDG uptake in the right lower lobe indicated an infectious focus, which was confirmed by a subsequent positive sputum culture. The article highlights the potential of [18F]FDG PET/CT in differentiating between infectious and inflammatory pulmonary abnormalities in critically ill patients. [Extracted from the article]