PET / CT Imaging
PET
(Positron Emission Tomography) is a powerful diagnostic tool that often
provides answers that no other imaging test can provide. A PET
scan detects changes at the molecular level within cells by measuring
how they utilize nutrients like sugar. After a small amount of
radioactive bound sugar is injected into the body, areas on the scan
that show a high degree of metabolic activity have a greater chance of
being cancerous. A CT scan provides detailed anatomy within the
human body. Together, a PET/CT scan allows doctors to view metabolic
activity and pinpoint where abnormal lesions are located so that they
can target disease. Partners Imaging Center has installed the GE
Discovery LS PET/CT scanner which combines a fast and sophisticated PET
system with the most advanced computed tomography (CT) scanner, the GE
Lightspeed. Combining PET and CT into one exam gives doctors two
crucial pieces of information, function and anatomy, to help prescribe
the best course of treatment for their patients.
Patient with Lymphoma before (left) and after (right) treatment.
CANCER:
Because a PET/CT scan combines metabolic function and anatomical imaging, it will often detect cancer earlier and in other locations compared to other imaging tests. Early detection means a better chance for a cure. PET/CT is highly accurate in determining if a tumor is benign or malignant which may avoid painful biopsies or surgery. It can stage the extent of disease, determine if treatment is working, and whether cancer has recurred.
BRAIN EVALUATION:
PET/CT can also be used to determine whether symptoms of memory loss could indicate the onset of Alzheimer's disease or other neurologic disorders. By examining the function of the brain cells, PET can diagnose these serious diseases long before CT or MRI, and can lead to early medical treatments that may slow or halt the progression of disease.
HEART:
A leading cause of death, heart disease is often difficult to detect. PET/CT is an important test in revealing or excluding coronary artery disease and impaired blood flow. It is also the gold standard to determine if heart tissue is viable and whether cardiac bypass surgery would be an effective treatment.
For additional information on PET scanning click on: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=pet&bhcp=1