From 3-D positron emission tomography to 3-D positron emission tomography/computed tomography: what did we learn?
The recent introduction of combined positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scanners is having a far-reaching effect on the field of medical imaging by bringing functional imaging to the forefront in radiology, oncology and other specialties. The PET/CT scanner is an evolution in technology combining two well-developed imaging modalities: anatomical imaging with CT and functional imaging with PET. The first prototype PET/CT scanner was a consequence of a succession of steps that, in chronological order, included the development of the High Density Avalanche Chamber (HIDAC) PET camera, 3-D PET methodology and the rotating partial-ring tomograph (PRT). The successful completion of each step was a prerequisite to progress to the next phase, and the lessons learned could then be applied to subsequent initiatives. This review will map the milestones from 3-D PET to 3-D PET/CT and assess the role each step played in the development of PET instrumentation over the past two decades.
Townsend
David W
DW
Departments of Medicine and Radiology, University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, TN 37920-6999, USA. dtownsend@mc.utmck.edu
D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000266:history / Q000295:instrumentation; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed