Melioidosis presenting as septic arthritis: The role of F-18 fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography in diagnosis and management

Melioidosis, caused by the soil saprophyte Burkholderia pseudomallei, is a great mimicker. With its wide variety of presentations which are often nonspecific, a good clinical suspicion is required for the timely diagnosis of the disease. F-18 fludeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) has a well-established role in the diagnosis and management of various infective diseases. Given the multifocal nature of this disease, we believe that F-18 FDG PET/CT has a definite role in improving the management of melioidosis. Here, we discuss a case of melioidosis presenting as septic arthritis and the role of F-18 FDG PET/CT in the management of the disease.