Infection imaging with radiopharmaceuticals in the 21st century

Infection continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nuclear medicine has all important role in aiding the diagnosis of particularly deep-seated infections such as abscesses, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, endocarditis, and infections of prosthetic devices. Established techniques such as radiolabelled leucocytes are sensitive and specific for inflammation but do not distinguish between infective and non-infective inflammation. The challenge for Nuclear medicine in infection imaging in the 21(st) century is to build on the recent trend towards the development of more infection specific radiopharmaceuticals, such as radiolabelled anti-iqfectives (e.g. (99)m Tc-ciprofloxacin). In addition to aiding early diagnosis of infection, through serial imaging these agents might prove veri, useful in monitoring the response to and determining the optimum duration of anti-infective therapy. This arti cle reviews the current approach to infection iniaging ivith radiopharniaceuticals and the luture direction it might take.