Differentiating Disease Flare From Infection: A Common Problem in Rheumatology. Do 18F-FDG PET/CT Scans and Novel Biomarkers Hold The Answer?

Purpose of review Fever is common within rheumatology but it is often challenging to identify its source. To do so correctly is paramount in patients with an underlying inflammatory condition receiving immunosuppressive therapy. This review article looks at the available evidence and merits of both 18F-fluoro-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) scans and new proposed biomarkers in determining the cause of fever within rheumatology.