What is PET?

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is an important imaging technology that provides critical diagnostic information that other tests may not provide. To create these images, compounds like simple sugars (glucose, for example) are labeled with signal-emitting tracers and injected into the patient. The scanner records the signals these tracers emit as they travel through the body and collect in the various organs targeted for examination. The system reassembles the signals into images, resulting in detailed pictures that show biological causes of normal organ function and failure of organ systems in disease.

PET evaluates the chemical and physiological changes related to metabolism. Since functional changes occur long before structural damage occurs in tissues, this is a crucial advantage that can allow detection of disease before other imaging modalities. Early detection and treatment can have a positive impact on patient care.

Why merge PET with CT?
The integration of metabolic data from PET with anatomical data from CT allows clinicians to better view the structural detail, location of and changes in tissue. This fusion of PET and CT is an invaluable asset in treatment planning for cancer, for instance.

Also, a single PET/CT scan can give information about the functioning of the entire body. This is critical in many instances, especially in oncology, where additional tumors and the spread of disease are sometimes discovered. The replacement of multiple tests is also convenient for patients and physicians, as the extent of disease may be established more quickly and with greater confidence.

In summary, the key benefits of PET/CT:

• Safe, non-invasive diagnostic procedure
• More detailed diagnostic information than sometimes available from independent tests
• Complete full body PET/CT scan in one exam means shorter time on the table for patients
• Enhanced detection of disease with fewer invasive diagnostic procedures
• Precise staging of the disease and accurate monitoring of cancer recurrences
• Effective tracking of the results of treatment therapy
• Open GEMINI GXL gantry promotes patient acceptance and more comfortable exams
• GEMINI GXL system enables independent operation of stand-alone PET or CT for enhanced productivity and flexibility
• May lower overall cost of care

What are the clinical applications?
The most common applications for PET/CT are in oncology, cardiology, and neurology.

For ONCOLOGY, PET alone, or in combination CT, may provide critical information about whether a tumor is malignant or not, the extent of cancer, or whether it has spread to other organs. It is also effective in monitoring cancer recurrences and the effectiveness of treatment therapy.

In CARDIOLOGY, PET provides a high level of accuracy in assessing myocardial perfusion and viability.

For NEUROLOGY, PET provides accurate information to localize the areas of the brain causing epileptic seizures and to determine if surgery is an option. PET is now approved by Medicare for reimbursement on screening for Alzheimer's Disease, as well.