Imaging using positron-emitting radiopharmaceuticals to assess metabolic activity
Expansion
Positron Emission Tomography
Purpose
Oncology staging, dementia evaluation, cardiac viability assessment
Clinical Context
PET uses positron emitters (fluorine-18, carbon-11, nitrogen-13, oxygen-15). Fluorine-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (most common). Standardised uptake value maximum greater than 3 to 5 suggests malignancy.
Related Terms
- SPECT
- PET-CT
- FDG
Key Points
- PET combines with CT for anatomical correlation (PET-CT); fluorodeoxyglucose PET standard for oncology