Is imaging the extremities with PEM feasible? A novel application for a high-resolution positron emission scanner

Clin Imaging. 2014 May-Jun;38(3):307-13. doi: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2013.11.013. Epub 2013 Nov 27.

Abstract

Introduction: Positron emission mammography (PEM) has better spatial resolution than positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), or PET/CT. We evaluated the feasibility of extremity imaging with PEM using PET as a standard.

Methods/materials: Fourteen patients underwent sequential PET/CT and PEM.

Results/discussion: PEM visualized with equal or improved resolution all of the lesions identified on PET/CT. It often provided additional information such improved uptake localization and also visualized activity in an adjacent structures that was not seen on PET/CT or magnetic resonance imaging. We believe PEM can image the extremities in diseases like melanoma, arthritis and osteomyelitis and patients with metallic hardware.

Keywords: High-resolution PET; PEM; Positron emission mammography.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Arthritis / diagnostic imaging
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Female
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18
  • Humans
  • Lower Extremity / diagnostic imaging*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mammography
  • Melanoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteomyelitis / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon / instrumentation*
  • Upper Extremity / diagnostic imaging*

Substances

  • Radiopharmaceuticals
  • Fluorodeoxyglucose F18