PET/CT Scan: Bridging Metabolic and Anatomical Imaging

Abstract

Positron Emission Tomography combined with Computed Tomography (PET/CT) has emerged as a transformative imaging modality in medical diagnostics, particularly in oncology, neurology, and cardiology. By merging PET's functional imaging with CT's anatomical precision, PET/CT provides unparalleled insights into the body's metabolic and structural aspects, facilitating accurate disease detection, characterization, and staging. This study employs a comprehensive approach, incorporating direct observations at a leading PET/CT center, expert interviews, and an extensive literature review. Key findings reveal the fundamental properties of positrons and their application in PET imaging, tracing the evolution of PET/CT technology from its inception to its current state. Detailed descriptions of PET/CT components, including the PET scanner's radiopharmaceuticals and detector systems and the CT scanner's X-ray generation and detection mechanisms, underscore the technological sophistication of this hybrid imaging modality. The operational mechanism of PET/CT, from radiopharmaceutical administration to image fusion, highlights its capability to provide comprehensive diagnostic information. Clinical applications demonstrate PET/CT's vital role in oncology for tumor detection and staging, in neurology for brain disorder evaluation, and in cardiology for assessing myocardial perfusion and viability. Despite challenges such as high costs and radiation exposure, advancements in radiopharmaceuticals and hybrid imaging technologies, such as PET/MRI, promise to enhance PET/CT's clinical utility. As PET/CT continues to evolve, it stands as a cornerstone of modern diagnostic imaging, significantly impacting personalized medicine by offering new avenues for disease detection and treatment.