PET Scan History

The photons are then tracked by a tomographic scintillation counter, and the information is processed by a computer to provide both image and data on blood flow and metabolic processes within bodily tissues. PET scans are particularly useful for diagnosing brain tumor and the effects of strokes on the brain, along with various mental illnesses. They are also used in brain research and in mapping of brain functions.

PET is the only method that can detect and display metabolic changes in tissue, distinguish normal tissue from those that are diseased, such as in cancer, differentiate viable from dead or dying tissue, show regional blood flow, and determine the distribution and

The PET scan also will show two and three-dimensional images of the brain; however, the PET scan measures brain activity. This is done by injecting radioactive isotopes into the blood stream. The isotopes attach to

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a functional imaging modality that has shown promise in tumor depiction, but it is unable to provide detailed high spatial resolution images (5-7).

The PET scanning is particularly useful in detecting cancer because most cancer cells use more glucose than normal tissues. In lung cancer, pet scans are sometimes used to observe for cancer in particular areas such as the lymph nodes, in the chest or to demonstrate the spreading activity of cancer cells to other areas the body. This would help the doctor to take a further decision about the treatment of a

The first invention of radiology began with the creation of X-rays in 1895 when Wilhelm Roentgen, a 50-year-old professor of physics at Germany’s University of Wurzburg, made a discovery that would in a very short time change medical and human history. Though, discovered by accident, Roentgen’s discovery would help detect tumors, broken bones and bullets buried within bodies, never before seen with the naked eye. Since the invention of X-rays, there had been numerous discoveries of similar inventions, from image intensifier to ultrasound to magnetic resonance imaging. Without these inventions, humans would not have been able to see the inner workings of the body or detect key information in modern times that allow us to prevent serious illnesses where other inventions proved useless since imaging plays a huge role in diagnosis. In current society, radiology’s first creation has been exposed to most citizens, whether it is to detect a broken bone at the doctor’s or to determine a person’s risk of getting cavities at the dentist’s. Although, inventions from radiology does hold risks of radiation exposure amongst its patients, the benefits of them greatly outweighs its risks.

In the modern years, medical imaging has become a very important aspect of medical field since its origin in the 1970s Image processing has developed into an integral part of medical science ranging from PET scan to melanoma detection. Both the hardware and software required for Image processing have improved drastically resulting in today’s world where the medical professionals can recognise and diagnose thousands of diseases using this technology.

In the world of medical diagnostic imaging, modern advances in imaging technology allow Health Care Professionals (HCPs) to look inside a person’s body through the development of detailed pictures or scans in order to diagnose disease, trauma, or abnormalities within a patient. Computed Tomography (CT), Plain X-rays (Radiographs) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are three of the exams used by HCPs today. CT and MRI can be interchangeable in many instances and both provide more details than a radiograph. Since that is the case, why don’t HCPs just use CT every time? In order to answer that question HCPs must have a thorough understanding of each modality and weigh the pros and cons of each exam in order to determine which one is best

Researchers reviewed a total of 285 fourth and subsequent follow-up PET/CT. All the follow-up scans were performed within about 13 years of the original scans. The number of follow-up scans per patient ranged from 4 to 28 scans. Sixty-one (71.8%) patients had 4 to 6 follow up scans. Seventeen patients (20%) had 7 to 10 follow-up scans; 9 patients (10.6%) had more than 10 follow-up scans. A total of 112 scans were performed as the seventh follow-up scan or later. Of the 285 follow-up scans, 54 (48.2%) scans were performed for routine follow-up; 24 (21.4%) scans were done for posttreatment assessment of either chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical resection, or radiofrequency ablation instituted for disease recurrence; 7 (6.3%) scans were performed as part of mid chemotherapy response assessment; 14 (12.5%) scans were performed as follow-up of previously PET-positive findings; 9 (8%) scans were performed as follow-up of previously PET-indeterminate findings; 2 (1.8%) scans were performed for evaluation of a paraneoplastic syndrome; and 2 (1.8%) scans were performed for evaluation of clinically identified disease

Clinical applications of PET in neurological and cardiological fields do also exist [2]. For example, joint PET and CT brain scans are used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease (see figure 10) [18]. Other uses of PET

New functions of the brain are now clear due to new technologies. The positron emission tomography (PET) scan and the functional magnetic resonan imaging (FMRI) scan are two ways of imaging the brain in action. PET scans measure blood flow in the brain. To produce the PET scan, a person is injected with a slightly radioactive substance, unlike the FMRI scan, where an injection isn't necessary. The substance travels through the blood to the brain where it collects in active areas.The scans produce colored maps of brain activity.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron-emission tomography (PET) are both non-invasive tools used to map brain functions and screen for diseases. MRI scans produce clear and detailed images of one’s brain structure by detecting/transmitting/displaying radio signals into an image. By looking into soft tissue they can analyze if parts of the brain are not functioning properly. For example, if someone experienced head trauma an MRI could detect swelling or bleeding. PET scans monitor the consumption of radioactively labeled glucose in the brain, and represents the different activity level using different colours. If activity level is low it could mean there is damage of sorts, or the brain isn’t functioning properly. These devices have

Nuclear imaging a branch of medical imaging that consists of small doses of radioactive material into the body to diagnose and determine diseases like cancer,

If you’ve never heard of a PET-CT scanner, you’re not alone. PET-CT scanners are integrated scanning devices that combine images from a positron emission tomography (PET) scan with a computed tomography (CT) scan. When the scans are performed at the same time and with the same machine, they produce detailed pictures of tissues and organs that also reveal any abnormal activity. With a PET-CT scan, doctors can identify cancers and determine their stage.

Medical or Diagnostic Imaging refers to the various techniques that can be used to see inside the human body. Its non-invasive nature means that the body does not have to be opened up surgically for medical practitioners to view the organs anatomically. In clinical settings, it can be used to aid in the diagnosis or treatment of different ailments. Many kinds of medical imaging techniques have already been developed, each with their own advantages