When
your doctor needs a
clearer image of what’s happening
inside your body than an indi-
vidual PET or CT scan can provide,
a combination PET/CT scan could
be the right choice.
This technology combines the im-
aging power of positron emission
tomography (PET) and computed
tomography (CT). The dual-
purpose machine provides more
complete information than can be
obtained when PET and CT scans
are done separately, according to
the Radiological Society of North
America (RSNA).
Individually, the machines produce
di erent kinds of information. A
PET scanmeasures bodily func-
tions, such as blood ow, oxygen
use, and how the body uses glucose
(sugar). A CT scan produces de-
tailed cross-sectional pictures of
organs, bones, and other tissues.
Images fromboth scans can be
called up on a computer, where they
can bemerged andmanipulated.
However, details are easier to see
when the scans are taken at the
same time using a PET/CTmachine.
“It provides one-stop shopping, so
to speak,” says Danny Casey, MD,
a radiologist at St. Elizabeth Com-
munity Hospital. “You have one
appointment but two simultaneous
procedures. Overall, the exam is
more accurate and sensitive than
other imaging procedures, and it
provides some of the most useful
information needed to make a
diagnosis or determine treatment.”
Commonuses
PET/CT is commonly used to:
Detect cancer or assess how well
it is responding to treatment
Examine areas of the heart that
might be damaged
Evaluate brain abnormalities,
such as tumors, memory disor-
ders, and seizures
What toexpect
PET/CT requires the introduction
of radioactive materials (radiotrac-
ers) into your body. The tracer may
be given as a liquid, as a gas or by
injection.
After the scan is complete, a radiol-
ogist reviews the images and sends
a report to your doctor. The test
rarely causes any signi cant dis-
comfort or side e ects, reports the
RSNA. The amount of radioactive
material used for the scan is small,
and it will lose its radioactivity over
time. It may be eliminated in your
urine or stool during the rst few
hours or days following the test.
While avoiding radiation when pos-
sible is important, the test is very
advantageous to many people—
especially those with cancer.
“The bene ts of the test, which
include improved staging and
checking on response to treatment,
far outweigh any risk associated
with radiation,” says Dr. Casey.
For more information about St. Elizabeth
imaging services or PET/CT, ask your doctor or
call the imaging center at
530.529.9729
.
PET/CT:
Two views can
be better than one
The St. Elizabeth Imaging
Center offers advanced
technology in the north
state region.
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