PET/CT Imaging What is PET/CT PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is an important non-invasive imaging technology that provides diagnostic information that other tests (MRI, CT, Ultrasound) may not. This state-of-the-art technology uses PET and Computed Tomography (CT) combined in a single imaging session. To obtain a PET/CT image a sugar-Glucose, is linked to a radioactive tracer Florine-18(FDG). A small amount of this radiopharmaceutical is injected intravenously (IV). There are no side effects or adverse reactions from this. After the injection, the patient relaxes comfortably for one hour. After making the patient comfortable on the imaging bed, the PET/CT scan takes approximately 20 minutes. The PET/CT images show biological and metabolic uptake in the body for normal organ function as well as abnormal. The computer PET/CT images are reviewed by a Radiologist and a report is sent to your doctor(s). Types of PET/CT images... Oncology PET/CT has become an important imaging technique for patients with many types of cancers. It is most commonly utilized for Lung, Colo-rectal, Breast, Head & Neck, Esophageal, Lymphoma and Melanoma. This study is approved for staging, restaging and follow-up to medical treatment in cancer patients. Brain PET/CT Sugar (Glucose) is the primary source of energy for cells in the brain. The distribution of the F-18 FDG is a direct reflection of cerebral metabolism. PET/CT can detect hypo metabolism (decrease) as well as hyper metabolism (increase) in the brain. This study can be useful for possible Alzheimer’s (dementia patients) as well as patients that are post operative for brain tumors. Some of the other types of PET/CT exams we perform at WNY PET/CT are: Coronary CT Angiography (CTA) Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is a heart imaging test that takes high-resolution 3-dimensional pictures of the moving heart and great vessels to determine if either fatty or calcium deposits have built up in the coronary arteries. Your doctor may prescribe medication to bring your heart rate down prior to your exam, and you will have to get an injection of x-ray dye (contrast). The total time of the scan is less than ten seconds, but preparation can take an hour. Plaque is a build up of fat and other substances, including calcium, which can, over time, narrow the arteries or even close blood flow to the heart. The result may be painful angina in the chest or a heart attack. During this test you will be hooked up to an EKG monitor which will record when your heart is in the resting stage, which is the best time for the CT scans to be taken. Cardiac Calcium Score A Cardiac Score is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, (the vessels that supply oxygen containing blood to the heart wall.) This scan takes pictures of the heart in thin sections. The computer program measures the calcium in the coronary arteries and gives you a score. The whole exam should only take about ten minutes from beginning to end. No x-ray contrast is used for this test. CT Angiography CT Angiography is used to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body including the brain, kidneys, legs, lungs, heart and neck. This exam can be used to diagnose aneurysms, atherosclerosis, dissections and many other abnormalities in the blood vessels that may be causing you pain or discomfort. During this exam you will be injected with x-ray contrast and the whole exam should be about fifteen minutes. There are many other types of CT scans including the chest, head, neck, spine, extremities and sinuses. Some of these exams require x-ray contrast. If you have any questions you can contact the ordering physician or the CT Technologist. The above services are provided at: WNY PET/CT Back To Top