Evolution of 18F-FDG PET/CT Findings in Patients after COVID-19: An Initial Investigation

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the temporal evolution of pulmonary 18F-FDG uptake in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and post-COVID-19 lung disease (PCLD). Methods: Using our hospital's clinical electronic records, we retrospectively identified 23 acute COVID-19, 18 PCLD, and 9 completely recovered 18F-FDG PET/CT patients during the 2 peaks of the U.K. pandemic. Pulmonary 18F-FDG uptake was measured as a lung target-to-background ratio (TBRlung 5 SUVmax/SUVmin) and compared with temporal stage. Results: In acute COVID-19, less than 3 wk after infection, TBRlung was strongly correlated with time after infection (rs 5 0.81, P, 0.001) and was significantly higher in the late stage than in the early stage (P 5 0.001). In PCLD, TBRlung was lower in patients treated with high-dose steroids (P 5 0.003) and in asymptomatic patients (P, 0.001). Conclusion: Pulmonary 18F-FDG uptake in COVID-19 increases with time after infection. In PCLD, pulmonary 18F-FDG uptake rises despite viral clearance, suggesting ongoing inflammation. There was lower pulmonary 18F-FDG uptake in PCLD patients treated with steroids.