Purpose The aim of this study was to systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of published data on the diagnostic value of F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18-FDG) PET/CT in the diagnosis of patients with fever of unknown origin (FUO). Materials and methods A comprehensive computer literature search of studies published through 31 March 2012 on the use of F-18-FDG PET/CT in patients with FUO was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus databases. The pooled sensitivity of F-18-FDG PET/CT in patients with FUO on a per-patient-based analysis was calculated. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was calculated to measure the accuracy of F-18-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of patients with FUO. Results Fifteen studies comprising 595 patients with FUO were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity of F-18-FDG PET/CT in detecting the cause of FUO was 85% (95% confidence interval 81-88%) on a per-patient-based analysis. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 0.88. Conclusion F-18-FDG PET/CT demonstrated high sensitivity for the diagnosis of patients with FUO. F-18-FDG PET/CT is an accurate technique in this setting, but the possibility of false-positive results should be kept in mind. This meta-analysis demonstrated the value of F-18-FDG PET/CT in the diagnosis of patients with FUO. (C) 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.