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Fever of unknown origin diagnostic study of choice

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

Overview

Fever of unknown cause has many etiologies and in most cases the etiology is often unknown so there is no single gold standard diagnostic test rather the diagnostic tests depend upon the potential diagnostic clues in the history and physical examination of the patient.[1]

Diagnostic Study of FUO

Diagnostic Study of FUO

The following three diagnostic modalities are done in all cases of FUO.

  • Detailed history
  • Proper physical examination
  • mandatory laboratory tests

Other diagnostic tests that are to be carried out depends upon the results of above three diagnostic modalities which are

  • CT scan
  • MRI
  • PET scan[2]
  • Ultrasonography
  • Bone marrow biopsy

Diagnostic Criteria

According Petersdorf and Beeson diagnostic criteria proposed in 1991:[3]

  • Fever above 38.3° C (100.9° F)
  • For more than three weeks
  • No diagnosis after work up for at least three visits in outdoor or three days of stay in hospital


References

References

  1. Arnow, Paul M; Flaherty, John P (1997). “Fever of unknown origin”. The Lancet. 350 (9077): 575–580. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(97)07061-X. ISSN 0140-6736.
  2. Kouijzer IJE, Mulders-Manders CM, Bleeker-Rovers CP, Oyen WJG (2018). “Fever of Unknown Origin: the Value of FDG-PET/CT”. Semin Nucl Med. 48 (2): 100–107. doi:10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2017.11.004. PMID 29452615.
  3. Hayakawa K, Ramasamy B, Chandrasekar PH (2012). “Fever of unknown origin: an evidence-based review”. Am J Med Sci. 344 (4): 307–16. doi:10.1097/MAJ.0b013e31824ae504. PMID 22475734.

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