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Endocrinology application of molecular imaging: current role of PET/CT
L Calderoni1,2, L Giovanella3,4, S Fanti5,6
1Nuclear Medicine Division, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico di S. Orsola, Via Albertoni 15, Bologna, Italy. letizia.calderoni4@unibo.it.
Background:
In recent years, nuclear medicine imaging methods have proven to be of paramount importance in a wide variety of diseases, particularly in oncology, where they are crucial for assessing the extent of disease when conventional methods fall short. Moreover, nuclear imaging modalities are able to better characterize lesions using target agents related to specific pathways (e.g. glucose metabolism, cellular proliferation, amino acid transport, lipid metabolism, specific receptor ligands). The clinical presentation of endocrine diseases encompasses a broad spectrum of sign and symptoms. Moreover, endocrine tumors show varying degrees of aggressiveness from well differentiated and indolent to highly aggressive cancers, respectively.
Rationale:
With the application of new medicinal radio-compounds and increasingly advanced tomographic imaging technology, the utility of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in the field of endocrine diseases is expanding.
Aim:
This review aims to analyze and summarize the primary indications of PET/CT, providing a practical approach for clinicians. A comprehensive literature search on PubMed was conducted to provide an updated overview of the available evidence regarding the use of PET/CT in endocrinology. Within this review, we will discuss the applications of PET/CT, compare different radiopharmaceuticals and highlight the uptake mechanism, excluding neuroendocrine carcinomas from discussion.
Conclusions:
PET/CT is a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing endocrine disorders due to its capacity to furnish both functional and anatomical information, facilitate early lesion detection, guide treatment decisions, and monitor treatment response. Its non-invasive nature and precision make it an integral component of modern endocrine healthcare. This review aims to provide physicians with a clear perspective on the role of PET/CT imaging, discussing its emerging opportunities and appropriateness of use in endocrinological diseases.
Insights
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) is a valuable tool for diagnosing and managing endocrine disorders. This imaging technique provides functional and anatomical information, aiding in early lesion detection and treatment guidance.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear medicine and advanced tomographic imaging technologies.
Background:
- Nuclear medicine imaging is crucial in oncology and other diseases for assessing disease extent and characterizing lesions.
- Endocrine diseases present with diverse clinical signs and symptoms, and endocrine tumors vary in aggressiveness.
- The utility of Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in endocrinology is growing with new radiopharmaceuticals and imaging technology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review primary indications of PET/CT in endocrinology.
- To provide a practical clinical approach to PET/CT use.
- To summarize current evidence on PET/CT in endocrinology, excluding neuroendocrine carcinomas.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search on PubMed.
- Analysis and summarization of evidence regarding PET/CT in endocrinology.
- Discussion of PET/CT applications, radiopharmaceuticals, and uptake mechanisms.
Main Results:
- PET/CT offers both functional and anatomical information for endocrine disorders.
- It facilitates early lesion detection and guides treatment decisions.
- PET/CT is effective in monitoring treatment response.
Conclusions:
- PET/CT is an integral tool in modern endocrine healthcare due to its precision and non-invasive nature.
- It enhances diagnosis, management, and monitoring of endocrine disorders.
- This review clarifies the role and appropriateness of PET/CT in endocrinology.
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