PET-CT: current applications and new developments in the thorax.
Positron emission tomography computed tomography(PET-CT) imaging has emerged as an essential clinical diagnostic tool in the evaluation of thoracic abnormalities. Currently, its primary role is for tumor imaging; it helps to differentiate benign from malignant nodules, stage tumors, determine response, and follow patients after therapy is complete. It has also been used for nononcologic diseases, but the indications are less well defined. PET is a fundamental component of the molecular imaging initiative, and as new more specific imaging probes and better instrumentation are developed, PET-CT is certain to improve diagnostic accuracy and become even more integrated into the imaging armamentarium.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Jeremy J
JJ
Erasmus
Department of Imaging Physics, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
Osama
O
Mawlawi
Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
Brandon
B
Howard
Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
Edward F
EF
Patz
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D003074:Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods*