PET-CT

Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography [PET-CT], Radiology, nuclear medicine

1. POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY–COMPUTED  TOMOGRAPHY [PET-CT] NAME - TUSHAR SINGH GROUP - Ma1709o Faculty - medicine

2. What is pet-ct scan? Positron Emission Tomography [PET] is a nuclear imaging technique that produces 3D image of functional processes in the body by detecting the radiation emitted by photons. Combined with a MRI scan or CT, a PET scan can produce multidimensional, color images of the inside workings of the human body. A PET scan is used to diagnose certain health conditions, to plan treatment, to find out how an existing condition is developing, and to see how effective a treatment is. It is very commonly used in CANCER treatment, NEUROLOGY, and CARDIOLOGY.

3. INSTRUMENTS 1973 - The first PET camera was built for human studies by EDWARD HOFFMAN, MICHAEL M. TER-POGOSSIAN, and MICHAEL E. PHELPS at Washington University. 1975 - The first commercial PET scanner. 1977 - The first whole-body PET scanner. 1998 - The first prototype PET-CT scanner was invented by Dr. Ron Nutt and Dr. David Townsend. 1999 - PET-CT was approved by FDA in October 1999. 2001 - PET-CT was "product of the year" made by Frost and Sullivan and it was commercially available. 

4. Pet-ct scan for cancer Cancer cells have a higher metabolic rate than non-cancerous cells. Because of this level of chemical activity, cancer cells show up as bright spots on PET scans. For this reason, PET scans are useful both for detecting cancer and for :- Seeing if the cancer has spread. Seeing if a cancer treatment is working. Checking for a cancer. However, these scans should be read carefully by your doctor, as it is possible for non-cancerous conditions to look like cancer on a scan. It is also common for solid tumors to fail to appear on PET scans.

5. Pet is used in oncology to : Diagnose malignant tumors. Select and monitor therapy. Detect recurrent tumors before they can be seen on CT or other imaging modalities. Find out if tumor has metastasized.

6. Pet is used in neurology to : Localize seizure focus in patients with seizure disorders. Differentiate Alzheimer's disease from multi - infarct dementia or depression. Analyze Parkinson's disease. Evaluate extent of stroke and recovery following therapy.

7. Pet is used in cardiology : Detect presence of Coronary Artery Disease. Assess the extent of damage from heart disease [to check if patient needs bypass]. Determine which patients will benefit from cardiac transplantation.

8. Steps of pet-ct imaging Production of Positron-Emitting Radiation. Labelling a selected compound with a Positron-Emission Radiation. Administration into patient. Imaging the patient. Reconstruction and Display.

9. Case studies of PET-CT Scan in Pune (INDIA)   A 75 years old gentleman, who presented with complaints of low backache since last 3 - 4 months was suspected to have cancer in his vertebral (spine) bones. He underwent F-18 PET-CT scan which showed linear compression fractures secondary to osteoporosis (weak bones) in two of his lower back (lumbar) vertebrae. Thus whole body PET-CT scan could easily rule out cancer in this patient.

10. Risks of pet-ct scanning There is mild risk of radiation exposure which is not in lethal amounts. The radiotracer injected [contrast] could cause reaction in the body as it is not suitable to all. For most people, benefits of PET-CT scan outweighs the risk aspect. Ideally, a pregnant woman should refrain from getting a PET-CT scan done as there is a slight risk of affecting the fetus due to radiation being involved. If a woman is breastfeeding, she should follow directions for pumping and discarding breast milk and ask the doctor when it is safe to resuming breastfeeding based on the test performed.

11. Major drawback

12. THANK YOU!! This Photo by Unknown author is licensed under CC BY-SA .