Imaging characteristics and evaluation of vascular graft infections
YANG Lei
WANG Guan
XIN Shi-jie
Abstract：Vascular graft infection(VGI)is a rare but severe complication following vascular graft surgery,characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates,which pose a significant threat to patients'health.Accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for improving patient prognosis.The diagnosis of VGI primarily relies on clinical presentations,laboratory tests,and imaging studies.Imaging plays a key role in the early detection of infection and evaluation of the extent and nature of the lesions.Clinically,VGI typically presents with nonspecific symptoms,including fever,unexplained bacteremia,weight loss,and localized pain.Laboratory findings often reveal elevated inflammatory markers such as white blood cell count,C-reactive protein(CRP),and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),but these markers lack specificity.Emerging techniques,such as genetic testing,can significantly enhance pathogen detection rates.Imaging modalities include ultrasound,computed tomography(CT),magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),and nuclear medicine imaging.CT angiography(CTA)is the preferred imaging modality for suspected VGI,as it provides direct visualization of infection-related features,such as peri-graft gas,fluid collections,and pseudoaneurysms.18F-FDG PET/CT demonstrates high sensitivity and can reveal metabolic information related to infections,offering important insights for diagnosis and differential diagnosis.The MAGIC(Management of Aortic Graft Infection Collaboration)criteria provide a systematic framework for VGI diagnosis,incorporating major and minor criteria.VGI should be strongly suspected when at least one major criterion or two minor criteria from different categories are met.Integrating imaging findings,laboratory results,and clinical presentations allows for the early identification and diagnosis of VGI,providing a reliable basis for subsequent treatment.Imaging technologies are indispensable for determining the extent of the lesion,guiding surgical planning,and assessing therapeutic outcomes.In the future,advancements in imaging techniques are expected to further enhance the accuracy and efficiency of VGI diagnosis and treatment.
Keywords：vascular graft infection(VGI)imaging examinationdiagnostic criteriacomputed tomography(CT)magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)positron emission tomography(PET/CT)serological testingMAGIC criteria
Publication Date：2024-12-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 1354-1358 )