Overview
PET images physiologic and metabolic processes using radiotracers such as FDG and detects areas of altered metabolism with high sensitivity.
Technique
Radiotracer selection uptake time and attenuation correction are critical. PET is often combined with CT or MRI for anatomic localization.
Clinical Uses
Oncology staging and response assessment infection and inflammation imaging and neurologic metabolic studies.
Limitations and Safety
Radiation exposure from radiotracers and CT component. False positives from inflammatory uptake require clinical correlation.