Role of gallium SPECT-CT in the diagnosis of left ventricular assist device infections.

Infection remains a well-established complication after the placement of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs). Defining the extent of infection is a challenging task as there are few effective imaging modalities and no standardized guidelines regarding imaging in the diagnosis of device-related infections (DRIs). The use of gallium with single photon emission tomography-computed tomography (Ga-SPECT-CT) has not been previously reported in localizing DRIs. We reviewed the charts and images of five patients with LVADs who underwent Ga-SPECT-CT for the diagnosis of various types of DRIs. Gallium SPECT-CT further clarified the extent of infections among LVAD patients, allowing for patient-specific tailored treatments including surgical debridement. Gallium SPECT-CT is a useful tool when diagnosing LVAD infections and could potentially be the imaging modality of choice in the near future. With improved imaging studies, such as Ga-SPECT-CT, allowing for earlier and more accurate diagnoses of DRIs, the outcome of such infections is likely to improve.

Human papillomavirus 6a lesions of the lower eyelid and genitalia.

A 42-year-old white man presented with a lower eyelid lesion and recurrent condylomata acuminata of his genitalia due to human papillomavirus (HPV) type 6a. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of both lesions was performed. The eyelid lesion was excised and found to be a papilloma caused by HPV6a infection. An extensive literature search revealed one previous report of concurrent conjunctival papilloma and genital papilloma involving HPV6a. Rare cases of solitary lesions of the eyelid secondary to HPV6a infection have been reported. HPV should be considered as a possible cause of an eyelid papilloma.