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.

4. 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.

5. 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 :-
1.Seeing if the cancer has spread.
2.Seeing if a cancer treatment is working.
3.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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. • 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

12. 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.

13. MAJOR
DRAWBACK

14. THANK YOU!!
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