I have severe ra, currently on meds. my labs still are extremely elevated. and just been diagnosis w/ valley fever. should i proceed with a pet scan.

Cocci and RA: Is not a good combination since many of the medications used for rheumatoid arthritis suppress the immune system and will adversely affect the course of coccidiodomycosis. A pet scan may find lesions of disseminated cocci.

PET: A pet scan uses a marker that mimics glucose, which your body uses for energy. Since cancer grows more rapidly than normal tissue, it takes up more glucose, which is detected on a pet scan. This why pet is used to look for cancer. However, infection can also cause a positive pet. A pet may be more useful if infection has cleared.

Uncertain: We don't which type of labs are elevated. If you doctor thinks you have disseminated Valley Fever that is impacting your lungs- s/he may consider a lung study. Ask your doctor what the indications are for the PET scan and the pro's and con's. This would allow you to make an educated decision.