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Positron Emission Tomography

Positron Emission Tomography

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique involving radiopharmaceuticals — substances that emit short-lived radiation. Although the first PET scanner was introduced in 1961, it took 15 more years before radiopharmaceuticals were combined with the technique and revolutionized its potential.
One of the main requirements of a PET scan is a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is produced in a cyclotron and then attached to a substance used by the part of the body being...

Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy

Imaging Studies II: Positron Emission Tomography and Scintigraphy

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that provides crucial insights into the body's physiological functions at a molecular level. It is an indispensable resource for diagnosing, staging, and monitoring various illnesses, notably cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Fundamental Principles of PET

Computed Tomography

Computed Tomography

Tomography refers to imaging by sections. Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays to reveal minute details about structures in the body.
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...

Brain Imaging

Brain Imaging

Brain imaging technologies provide critical insights into both the structure and function of the human brain, enabling medical professionals and researchers to diagnose, study, and treat neurological disorders or psychiatric disorders more effectively.
These technologies include computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT scans), positron-emission tomography (PET scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI

Imaging Studies I: CT and MRI

Introduction: MRI and CT scans are crucial advancements in medical imaging techniques, playing a vital role in diagnosing conditions related to the gastrointestinal (GI) system. Each scan serves distinct purposes, targets specific areas, and requires unique nursing duties.
Description of the Procedures
Computed Tomography (CT) scan:
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-ray technology to generate detailed images of bones, organs, and tissues. During the scan, the patient lies on a moving table...

Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction

Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can be used to determine the 3D structure of biological samples with the help of techniques such as electron microscope tomography and single-particle reconstruction. While single-particle reconstruction can examine macromolecules and macromolecular complexes in vitro conditions only, tomography permits the study of cell components or small cells in vivo.
Electron Tomography
Electron tomography can be performed either in TEM or STEM (scanning transmission...

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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

A Basic Positron Emission Tomography System Constructed to Locate a Radioactive Source in a Bi-dimensional Space

A Basic Positron Emission Tomography System Constructed to Locate a Radioactive Source in a Bi-dimensional Space

Published on: February 1, 2016

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography: the current technology and applications.

Erik Mittra¹, Andrew Quon

¹Division of Nuclear Medicine, Stanford Hospital and Clinics, 300 Pasteur Drive, Room H0101, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. erik.mittra@stanford.edu

Radiologic Clinics of North America

|February 7, 2009

Summary

Positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/CT scans offer combined metabolic and anatomical insights. This review covers PET physics, technology, and diverse clinical uses in oncology, cardiology, and neurology, with new tracers emerging.

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Area of Science:

Medical Imaging
Nuclear Medicine
Radiophysics

Background:

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and combined PET/CT integrate metabolic and anatomical data.
FDG-PET is a widely used tracer for various clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the fundamental physics of PET.
To discuss the current state and future of PET technology.
To outline the diverse clinical applications of PET imaging.

Main Methods:

Review of PET physics principles.
Analysis of current PET technological advancements.
Survey of clinical applications across multiple medical fields.

Main Results:

PET and PET/CT provide comprehensive metabolic and anatomical information.
Clinical applications span oncology, cardiology, neurology, and infection/inflammation imaging.
Novel radiopharmaceuticals targeting specific cellular processes are under development.

Conclusions:

PET technology offers powerful diagnostic capabilities.
Current applications are broad, with significant potential for future expansion.
Development of new tracers will enhance diagnostic specificity beyond glucose metabolism.