Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in children

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine
• Pediatric Imaging
• Oncology

Background:

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging has seen increased utilization due to PET/CT scanners, commercial FDG availability, and mobile units.
• This has expanded PET scanning accessibility from major centers to smaller institutions, including children's hospitals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the expanding applications of PET imaging in pediatric diagnostics.
• Highlighting the role of FDG PET/CT in evaluating pediatric tumors and neurological conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of current applications of FDG PET/CT in pediatric patients.
• Discussion of limitations and potential of other PET radiopharmaceuticals.

Main Results:

• FDG PET/CT is established for lymphoma evaluation, distinguishing active tumor from post-treatment changes.
• It aids in assessing pediatric brain tumors, differentiating recurrence from radiation effects, and localizing seizure foci.
• Other radiopharmaceuticals offer specialized imaging for conditions like neuroblastoma and infantile hyperinsulinism.

Conclusions:

• The use of PET/CT in pediatric imaging, especially for tumor evaluation with FDG, is rapidly growing.
• The role of PET imaging in pediatric diagnostics is expected to become more defined with further research and application.