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Optimization of Pediatric PET/CT
Marguerite T Parisi1, Mohammed S Bermo2, Adam M Alessio3
1Departments of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA; Departments of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA.
Seminars in Nuclear Medicine
|April 19, 2017
Summary
Optimizing pediatric PET/CT involves careful patient preparation and selecting appropriate imaging parameters to minimize radiation exposure and risks like neurotoxicity. Strategies focus on improving image quality while ensuring patient safety in young individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Pediatric Radiology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) is a crucial hybrid imaging technique increasingly used beyond oncology.
- Pediatric PET/CT presents unique challenges, including heightened radiation sensitivity and longer life expectancy for adverse effects.
- Risks specific to children include radiation exposure from both PET and CT, and potential neurotoxicity from general anesthesia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review strategies for optimizing radiation dose in pediatric 18-fluorine-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (18F-FDG)-PET/CT.
- To enhance image quality and diagnostic performance while minimizing procedure-related risks in children.
- To improve the patient experience, departmental workflow, and resource utilization.
Main Methods:
- Judicious performance of imaging procedures.
- Use of recommended pediatric 18F-FDG administered activities.
- Thoughtful selection of pediatric-specific CT imaging parameters (diagnostic, localization, or attenuation correction only).
- Careful patient preparation to mitigate issues like brown fat interference.
- Appropriate patient immobilization techniques.
- Implementation of technology to improve patient experience and workflow.
Main Results:
- Optimized pediatric PET/CT requires a multi-faceted approach addressing both PET and CT components.
- Careful selection of pediatric-specific CT parameters and recommended radiotracer activities ensures diagnostic quality while limiting radiation.
- Effective patient preparation is crucial, particularly for managing factors like brown fat that can affect interpretation.
- Technological advancements can improve patient experience, workflow, and diagnostic accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing pediatric PET/CT involves a combination of judicious imaging, appropriate radiotracer administration, and tailored CT parameters.
- Minimizing radiation dose and addressing risks like neurotoxicity are paramount in pediatric populations.
- Enhancing patient preparation and utilizing appropriate technology are key to improving the overall quality and efficiency of pediatric PET/CT studies.