PET/CT

PET/CT is an imaging technique which assists in the diagnosis of many diseases. PET/CT allows the physician to examine the whole patient at once, by producing pictures of the functions of the human body unobtainable by other imaging techniques. These images show body metabolism and other functions rather than simply the gross anatomy and structure revealed by conventional x-rays, CT or MRI scans. The combination of the PET/CT and the CT allows both metabolic and anatomic images to be fused to combine the power of both modalities.

Whole body PET/CT scanning is frequently used to survey the body for possible sites of cancer. A small amount of radioactive tracer is attached to ordinary sugar. Although all cells in the body use sugar, more sugar is used by cells with increased metabolism. Because cancer cells are highly metabolic and use more sugar than neighboring cells, they are identified on the PET/CT scan.

Prior to having a scan, you will have a small needle placed in one of the veins of your right or left arm. First, a small blood sample will be taken to check your blood sugar levels to assure that the test can be performed. To begin the exam, you receive an injection of a small amount of a radioactive sugar through the same needle. It is not a dye. This should not have any chemical effect on you or cause you to feel any differently; it is safe to use with diabetic patients. After the injection, you will need to wait approximately 40 to 60 minutes for the radioactive tracer to move from your bloodstream into your cells. At the appropriate time, you will lie on the scanner table, which moves slowly through a large ring shaped opening. The scanner is not enclosed and does not completely cover your face. We ask you to lie very still, because even small movements can interfere with the results. The imaging procedure will take approximately one hour.

Unless you've received special instructions, you can resume your normal medication and diet immediately after the study. Drinking a lot of fluids will help you excrete any of the radioactive tracers that may still be in your system. The radioactive tracers are gone within the first 4 to 8 hours after injection and have no known side effects.

PET/CT can determine if a mass/lesion is malignant or benign
PET/CT can characterize enlarged lymph nodes as malignant or benign
PET/CT can detect malignancy in normal-size lymph nodes or normal-appearing tissue
PET/CT can evaluate early tumor treatment response
PET/CT has been widely investigated in the assessment of dementia. Alzheimer's Disease and Multi-Infarct dementia are readily diagnosed and differentiated.

PET/CT scans can also be used to measure the brain’s metabolism. Studies have shown that it is possible to spot Alzheimer’s through metabolism patterns on PET/CT scans and may detect Alzheimer’s even before significant symptoms emerge. This study can be used in combination with other tests to distinguish memory loss, behavioral changes and other early symptoms from those of other conditions. Detecting Alzheimer’s early is important because new treatment options have recently emerged which have been found to slow the progression of disease in some patients. Click here to learn more

PREPARATION:

You should not eat or drink (except water) for at least 6 hours before your test and no caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol for at least 12 hours before. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least one day prior to the PET/CT exam. Try to drink at least 32 ounces of water the day before the exam.

Please inform us of any medications you are taking. It would be a good idea to bring a list of your current medications. Some medications can interfere with the exam. If your particular medication should not be taken on the day of your exam, we will let you know. If you've been advised not to take your medications on an empty stomach, eat nothing more than a few soda crackers within 6 hours of your exam.

If you are an insulin dependent diabetic, you may eat toast with a small amount of juice and take your insulin at least two hours before your exam.

Patients must have a written physician requisition which states their medical and surgical history and the reason for the PET/CT scan. Please inform us if you are diabetic, pregnant or nursing.

A CD/DVD player is available, please feel free to bring your own selections.