Background. Positron emission tomography (PET) has proven clinical utility both in the initial and relapse staging phase, but this technique is controversial during pregnancy. The objective of this review is to provide a compendium of available information on the use of PET during pregnancy. Materials and methods. A systematic literature review was conducted from 1 January 2004 until 20 May 2021. A total of 4 small series and 9 case reports consisting of 25 cases were selected. Results. During the first trimester, the fetus is most sensitive to ionization damage, so lower doses are recommended (2.6E-02 mGy/MBq). Fetal-effective doses are higher in this period and the average fetal dose (4.06 ± 3.22 mGy) remains significantly below the threshold for deterministic effects. During the second and third trimesters, recommended doses are higher (1.4E-02 mGy/MBq at 6 months, and 6.9E-03 mGy/MBq at 9 months of gestation). ¹⁸F-FDG activity was distributed to the whole fetus with a prevalence of myocardial tissue in seven cases. The use of special precautions, such as PET-magnetic resonance (MR) and urinary bladder catheterization, reduces the amount of radioactive tracer. Breastfeeding interruption is not recommended. Conclusions. ¹⁸F-FDG PET is not contraindicated in pregnancy, but multidisciplinary discussion is necessary and strict precautions are recommended.

Vascular graft infections are rare but serious complications of vascular surgery. Listeria monocytogenes represents an exceedingly rare yet potentially life-threatening cause. We present a narrative review according to the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) criteria, summarizing the existing literature regarding Listeria vascular graft infections. Moreover, we have revised novel potential antibiotics against Listeria spp. A systematic search identified 23 studies involving 39 patients. Most infections affected abdominal aortic grafts (50%), with a median interval of 28 months from graft implantation to infection. Common comorbidities included hypertension (30.8%) and diabetes (18%), with 24% of patients being immunocompromised. Diagnosis was supported by blood cultures (45%) and imaging, particularly computed tomography (CT, 90%) and positron emission tomography CT (PET-CT) in selected cases. Surgical intervention was performed in 55% of patients, while 45% were treated medically. Ampicillin, often combined with an aminoglycoside, was the most common first-line therapy. Median treatment duration was 51 days, with some patients requiring lifelong suppressive antibiotic therapy. Mortality was low (one patient), and no recurrences were reported. This review underscores the diagnostic complexity and evolving management strategies in Listeria spp. vascular graft infections.