18F-FDG PET/CT protocol
The acquisition of the PET/CT scan was performed within 2 weeks after
diagnosis of the bacteraemia. PET-CT scans were performed on a Biograph
Truepoint 40 (Siemens, Erlangen, Germany) or Discovery 670 MI (General
Electric Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI, USA). PET imaging was performed
45-60 minutes after the administration of 4.5 MBq/kg of18 F-FDG. Patients were instructed to use a
carbohydrate poor, fat and protein rich diet for 24h prior to suppress
the physiological glucose metabolism of the myocytes and in addition
fast for a minimum of 6 hours prior to injection. Blood glucose levels
were controlled and below 180 mg/dL at the time of intravenous18F-FDG administration. Patients received 20 mg
Propranolol hydrochloride to minimise uptake in brown fat.