The case for PET/CT: Experience at the University of Pittsburgh

Abstract

Purpose: Whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) with [F-18]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is an important tool in the management of patients with cancer. While the sensitivity of FDG PET for tumor localization is most often reported to be ≥ 85%, the specificity is frequently found to be lower. One limitation of whole-body PET imaging is the confounding effect of normal physiologic FDG accumulation in kidneys, ureters, bladder, stomach and bowel. Also, highly metabolically active tissues such as brain and muscle can mask detection of adjacent abnormalities. Interpretation of functional PET images can be improved by correlation with anatomic imaging, e.g. CT or MRI. The utility of both visual..