What is PET/CT Imaging?

PET/CT is an advanced imaging technique that combines Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Computed Tomography (CT) technologies. It plays a vital role in the early diagnosis, staging, and treatment response evaluation of various diseases.

While PET scans assess metabolic activity at the cellular level, CT provides clear anatomical images. The fusion of these two imaging methods enables accurate evaluation of conditions such as cancer, neurological diseases, and certain infections.

The Importance of Contrast-Enhanced PET/CT

Unlike standard PET/CT, contrast-enhanced PET/CT involves the injection of a special contrast agent through a vein, allowing clearer visualization of blood vessels, organs, and lesions. This provides major advantages in staging cancers, identifying metastases, and evaluating vascular structures.

Advantages of Contrast-Enhanced PET/CT:

• Detailed anatomical visualization of tumors → Helps distinguish malignant tissue from healthy tissue.
  
• More accurate detection of metastases → Reveals spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
  
• Assessment of vascular structures → Assists in treatment planning by showing tumor-feeding vessels.
  
• Differentiation of cancer vs. inflammation → Improves diagnostic clarity in complex cases.
  

For cancer patients, contrast-enhanced PET/CT offers higher diagnostic precision and more effective treatment planning.

PET/CT Examinations Performed in Our Center

We offer the latest and most advanced PET/CT procedures, including:

• Oncologic F-18 PET/CT
  
• Brain PET
  
• Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT
  
• Ga-68 Dotatate PET/CT
  
• Ga-68 FAPI PET/CT

Oncologic F-18 PET/CT

This is the most commonly used PET/CT scan in the diagnosis and follow-up of cancer. It uses a radiotracer called F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to detect cancer cells by identifying areas with increased glucose metabolism.

Used for:

• Cancer diagnosis and staging (lung, breast, colon, lymphoma, etc.)
  
• Detection of metastases
  
• Evaluation of response to chemotherapy/radiotherapy
  
• Early detection of cancer recurrence

Brain PET

This scan evaluates brain metabolism and is used to diagnose neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Used for:

• Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementias
  
• Localization of epileptic foci (especially in drug-resistant epilepsy)
  
• Diagnosis and monitoring of brain tumors
  
• Evaluation of Parkinson’s and movement disorders

Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT

A highly sensitive method for prostate cancer diagnosis.

Key advantages:

• Detects prostate cancer at early stages
  
• Identifies metastatic spread
  
• Monitors recurrence after treatment

Ga-68 Dotatate PET/CT

A specialized scan for detecting neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). It binds to somatostatin receptors and provides highly sensitive tumor imaging.

Used for:

• Diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors (pancreas, stomach, intestines)
  
• Assessment of disease spread
  
• Treatment planning and monitoring

Ga-68 FAPI PET/CT

A next-generation imaging technique that visualizes tumors and certain chronic inflammatory diseases through fibroblast activation protein (FAP).

Key advantages:

• Useful for detecting cancers where FDG PET/CT may be limited
  
• Assesses tumor stroma and aggressiveness
  
• Helps personalize treatment planning

What is PET (Positron Emission Tomography)?

PET is a nuclear medicine imaging technique that converts the distribution of radioactive substances—administered through an IV—into three-dimensional tomographic images. The radiotracers emit positrons, allowing functional imaging of organs before structural changes are visible.

PET/CT combines two systems:

• PET provides functional and metabolic information at the cellular level
  
• CT provides detailed anatomical data
  

This integration allows early and accurate diagnosis, even before structural abnormalities appear.

How is the PET/CT Procedure Performed?

• Patients must fast for at least 6 hours before the scan.
  
• Blood glucose is measured; if within range, a radioactive tracer (commonly F-18 FDG) is injected.
  
• After a 45–60 minute resting period in a calm environment, the scan is performed (usually from upper thigh to head).
  
• The scan takes approximately 20 minutes.
  

Patient-specific data such as height, weight, and blood sugar are recorded. Diabetic patients or those with high glucose levels may require insulin administration or physician consultation.

Precautions:

• No contrast is given to patients with creatinine levels above 2.
  
• Not administered to patients undergoing radioactive iodine therapy or with severe kidney disease.
  
• Allergic reactions (e.g. rash, swelling) may occur; patients are monitored and treated if needed.

Why Choose Contrast-Enhanced PET/CT?

In our center, contrast-enhanced full-body CT is routinely performed as part of the PET/CT procedure. This allows simultaneous evaluation of anatomical localization and blood supply, enhancing diagnostic clarity. It also eliminates the need for a separate diagnostic CT.

Where is PET Used?

1. Oncology (approx. 85% of cases):

• Whole-body imaging
  
• Determining if a lesion is malignant
  
• Staging and assessing treatment effectiveness
  
• Detecting recurrence

2. Cardiac PET (approx. 10%):

• Evaluates myocardial viability
  
• Most reliable method to detect living heart muscle after a heart attack

3. Brain PET (approx. 5%):

• Localizes epileptic foci in drug-resistant cases
  
• Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and differentiating dementia types

PET in Oncology – Indications

1. To assess the malignancy of a detected mass:

• Lung cancer
  
• Esophageal cancer
  
• Colorectal cancer
  
• Lymphoma
  
• Melanoma
  
• Ovarian and cervical cancers
  
• Head and neck tumors
  

2. For initial staging and post-treatment re-staging
3. To evaluate response to treatment
4. To assess recurrence or residual tumor tissue
5. To guide biopsy location when needed

Conclusion

PET/CT is not just a complementary imaging tool — it is a game-changer in early diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.

• F-18 PET/CT: The gold standard in cancer diagnosis
  
• Brain PET: Enables early neurological assessment
  
• Ga-68 PSMA PET/CT: The most sensitive method for prostate cancer
  
• Ga-68 Dotatate PET/CT: Leading technique for neuroendocrine tumors
  
• Ga-68 FAPI PET/CT: Innovative imaging for various cancer types
  

At EGERAD, we proudly offer contrast-enhanced whole-body PET/CT imaging for unmatched accuracy and diagnostic value. Make sure your PET/CT includes contrast!