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Session 17: Hybrid Imaging: PET/CT and PET/MRI
Sub-Tracks: PET/CT Imaging, PET/MRI, Hybrid Imaging, Functional Imaging, Whole-Body PET, Molecular Imaging, Quantitative Imaging, Oncology Imaging, Neurological PET/MRI, Cardiac PET/CT, PET Biomarkers, Radiopharmaceuticals, Theranostics, Hybrid Imaging in Pediatrics, Advanced PET Reconstruction, PET in Neurodegenerative Disorders, PET in Inflammation & Infection, PET Dosimetry, Clinical Workflow Integration, Future of Hybrid Imaging.
Overview
Hybrid imaging with PET/CT and PET/MRI integrates anatomical and functional data, combining the strengths of positron emission tomography with the structural details of CT and MRI. This fusion enhances diagnostic accuracy, improves disease characterization, and supports precision medicine in oncology, cardiology, neurology, and beyond.
Key Aspects of Hybrid Imaging:
PET/CT
Principle: Combines functional metabolic imaging (PET) with anatomical imaging (CT).
Applications: Widely used in oncology for tumor detection, staging, therapy planning, and monitoring. Also valuable in cardiology for assessing myocardial perfusion and viability.
Resolution: Provides accurate localization of lesions by combining functional uptake with structural detail.
PET/MRI
Principle: Merges metabolic PET data with superior soft-tissue contrast of MRI.
Applications: Particularly powerful in neuroimaging, pediatric imaging, and oncology cases requiring high soft-tissue contrast. Useful for brain tumors, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Advantages: Lower radiation exposure compared to PET/CT, and simultaneous acquisition of functional and anatomical information.
Imaging Capabilities:
Precise tumor localization and staging
Quantitative assessment of disease activity
Whole-body imaging for metastasis evaluation
High-resolution anatomical correlation with functional data
Applications in Medicine:
Oncology: Tumor detection, treatment planning, therapy response evaluation, recurrence monitoring.
Neurology: PET/MRI for epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and brain tumors.
Cardiology: Myocardial viability, coronary artery disease, and cardiac sarcoidosis.
Inflammation/Infection: Detecting systemic inflammatory conditions and infectious foci.
Advantages of Hybrid Imaging:
Comprehensive anatomical and functional information in a single exam
Improved diagnostic confidence and accuracy
Enhanced ability for personalized medicine and theranostics
Lower overall radiation exposure in PET/MRI
Limitations:
High cost and limited availability of PET/MRI systems
Longer acquisition times compared to PET/CT
Specialized training and infrastructure requirements
Summary
Hybrid imaging through PET/CT and PET/MRI represents a transformative approach in radiology, bridging structural and functional imaging to advance clinical care. This session will explore innovations, clinical applications, and the future role of hybrid modalities in delivering precision diagnostics and treatment planning.