Performance, Interpretation, and Reporting of PET-CT Scans for Body Oncology Imaging

Abstract

Combining PET and CT image acquisitions into a single imaging session using a hybrid scanner has several advantages but does present challenges. The PET-CT scan generates registered and aligned images of both anatomy and glucose metabolism, allowing for an integrated comprehensive body oncology imaging examination. The CT portion of the examination also provides a rapidly acquired attenuation map for attenuation correction used in the PET image reconstruction. Both the CT and PET image acquisition protocols must be optimized for each of the body oncology indications, although the number of different scan acquisition protocols can be limited to facilitate an efficient practice. PET-CT scans are among the most challenging of imaging studies to interpret and report. An integrated and systematic approach must be taken to provide referring clinicians the full benefit of this combined imaging modality for cancer imaging.