Clinical Utility of 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (FDG-PET/CT) in Suspected Spondylodiscitis: A Case Report

Nuclear medicine has undergone remarkable advances in recent decades. Among these, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) has become a key imaging modality, enabling metabolic assessment of tissues and precise anatomical correlation, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy. We present the case of a 64-year-old woman with fever, pain, and a deteriorated general condition, initially suspected of having a hip prosthesis infection. FDG-PET/CT imaging played a pivotal role in suggesting the diagnosis of spondylodiscitis. We also discuss the relevance of this modality, its broad range of current clinical applications, and its specific utility in diagnosing and managing spinal infections.