[18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose PET/CT (FDG PET/CT) is a sensitive and quantitative technic for detecting inflammatory process. Glucose uptake is correlated with increased anaerobic glycolysis seen in activated inflammatory cells such as monocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes.~The aim of the study was to assess the inflammatory status at the presumed peak of the inflammatory phase in non-critically ill patients requiring admission for COVID-19.~Patients were included if COVID-19 was confirmed according to the WHO guidance (11) by a positive result of RT-PCR assay of nasal and pharyngeal swabs, if they were hospitalized during the time period from day 6 to day 14 of the onset of symptoms, and if their initial (on admission) chest CT-scan presented ground-glass opacities (GGO) or consolidation.~Group of 13 consecutive patients prospectively enrolled. All patients had an initial chest CT-scan for diagnosis on admission and a second chest CT-scan for follow-up concomitant with a FDG PET/CT between day 6 and day 14 after the onset of symptoms.~Based on the changes between the two chest CT, patients were classified as follows:~CT worsening: increase of CT abnormalities extent > 20% or additional GGO or consolidation. Conversion of GGO into consolidation was not considered as additional finding.~CT stability: changes of CT abnormalities extent ≤ 20% without additional GGO or consolidation.~CT improvement: decrease of CT abnormalities extent > 20% without additional GGO or consolidation.~Based on FDG PET/CT imaging, patients' profiles were classified as follows:~Inflammatory: lungs hypermetabolic volume ≥ 50 ml and / or SUVmax ≥ 7~Low inflammatory: lungs hypermetabolic volume < 50 ml and / or SUVmax< 7 Patients' short-term clinical outcome was classified as follows: worsening, stability, improvement.
The aim of the study was to assess the inflammatory status at the presumed peak of the inflammatory phase in non-critically ill patients requiring admission for COVID-19. Patients admitted with COVID-19 from March 27th to May 3rd, 2020 were prospectively enrolled. All patients had an initial chest CT-scan for diagnosis on admission and a second chest CT-scan for follow-up concomitant with a FDG PET/CT between day 6 and day 14 after the onset of symptoms.