Medical Imaging Techniques


Medical imaging is the technique and process of creating visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention, as well as visual representation of the function of some organs or tissues (physiology).

PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography Scan)

A PET scan creates 3D images of the body, it does so by using Radioactive tracers which are administered to a patient through intravenous injection. The tracers are made up of molecules that are tightly bonded to radioactive atom called an isotope.  







 These carrier molecule interact with the specific proteins or sugars inside patient’s body. The carrier molecules that will be used totally depend on what the doctor is looking for.


If she suspects growth of cancer tissue, she may use FDG , a modified form of glucose. When tissues absorb a lot of glucose, it may indicate a growth of cancerous tumour.
The isotope produces small particles called Positron which interact with surrounding electrons. When this collision occurs, a complete annihilation of both particles takes place and produces 2 photons that travel in opposite directions. 

The detectors in the PET Scanner measure these photons  and use this information to create an image of distribution of FDG in the body.


Advantages & Applications:

·         PET scans are often used to investigate epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and heart disease.
·         A CT or MRI scan can assess the size and shape of body organs and tissue, but they cannot assess how these work. PET scans are often used to diagnose a condition or to track how it is developing.
·         A PET scan can give an idea of how well chemotherapy is working, and it can detect a recurring tumor sooner than other techniques.
·         A PET scan can help detect which parts of the heart have been damaged or scarred, and it can help identify circulation problems in the working of the heart.
Disadvantages:

·         PET involves radioactive material, it is not suitable for everyone. But any allergy from radioactive material is such a small amount that it has no long term side effects.
·         Normally, a pregnant woman should not have a PET scan, as the radioactive material may affect the fetus or the infant.

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