PET/CT: Basic Principles and Applications in Oncology

Flashcards focusing on key terminology and concepts from the lecture on PET/CT principles and applications in oncology.

PET

Positron Emission Tomography, a functional or metabolic imaging technique.

Functional Assessment

Evaluating the metabolic activity of tissues using techniques like PET.

Positron-Emitting Radiotracer

A biologically important molecule labeled with a positron-emitting isotope for PET imaging.

FDG

18F-fluorodeoxyglucose, the most commonly used oncologic PET tracer.

Metabolically Trapped

A state where a tracer like FDG is unable to leave the tissue after uptake.

Glucose Analog

A compound that mimics glucose, such as FDG, used in PET imaging.

GLUT

Glucose transporter proteins that facilitate the uptake of glucose and analogs into cells.

Hexokinase

An enzyme that phosphorylates glucose, playing a key role in the uptake of FDG.

False Positives

Instances where non-cancerous tissues show abnormal FDG uptake.

CT

Computed Tomography, providing detailed anatomical images complementary to PET.

Hybrid Imaging

Combining different imaging modalities, such as PET and CT, to gain more information.

Fused PET/CT

Simultaneously acquired PET and CT data integrated to improve localization of lesions.

Radiation Dose

The amount of radiation exposure a patient receives during CT scans.

Anatomic Landmarks

Features used to accurately identify the locations of tissues or lesions in imaging.

Cancer Staging

Determining the extent and spread of cancer using imaging techniques such as PET/CT.

Biopsy Assistance

Using imaging to guide and improve the accuracy of tissue sampling.

Image Quality

The clarity and detail in an image that affects diagnostic efficacy.

Hypermetabolism

Increased metabolic activity often observed in cancerous tissues indicating active disease.

Gantry

The framework that houses the imaging detectors and supports the CT/PET system.

Patient Comfort

The overall ease and well-being of a patient during imaging procedures, important in PET/CT.

Breathing Motion Artifacts

Distortions in imaging due to patient movement during scans.

Low Contrast Resolution

Difficulty in distinguishing between different tissues or objects due to inadequate contrast in images.

Dynamic Imaging

An imaging process that captures changes over time, useful in understanding metabolic activity.

Oncological Applications

Uses of imaging techniques to diagnose, stage, and monitor treatment in cancer.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

A type of lung cancer that is commonly evaluated using PET/CT.

Metastatic Disease

Cancer that has spread from its original site to other parts of the body.

Tissue Uptake Variability

Differences in how various tissues absorb and utilize tracers like FDG.

Accuracy in Diagnosis

The reliability of an imaging method to correctly identify the presence or extent of disease.

Normal Tissue Uptake

Baseline levels of FDG absorption in healthy tissues, serving as a contrast in diagnosis.

Companion Imaging

Using PET/CT information to assist in clinical decisions such as biopsy procedures.

Clinical Protocol

Guidelines that outline standard procedures for conducting scans and interpreting results.

Invasive Procedures

Medical interventions that involve entering the body for diagnosis or treatment, like biopsies.

Tumor Localization

Identifying the specific location of tumors within the body using imaging techniques.

Diagnosis of Lymphoma

Evaluating lymphatic system cancers through imaging modalities like PET/CT.