Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, since the introduction of the concept of emission and transmission tomography in 1950, has been a major part of nuclear medicine and has proved to be a valuable non-invasive tool in the diagnosis and management of various disorders in many fields, from clinical oncology to neurology, from musculo-skeletal imaging to cardiology.

PET has been used with success for the evaluation of neurological disorders such as cognitive function in Alzheimer’s disease and diagnosis of brain tumours. PET also has shown its significant roles in the detection and prognosis of various cardiac disorders such as coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiac sarcoidosis, as well as in the assessment of myocardial perfusion and viability.

This Rapid Response report aims to review the guidelines and recommendations associated with the use of PET in neurology and cardiology.

Contents

• CONTEXT AND POLICY ISSUES
• RESEARCH QUESTIONS
• KEY FINDINGS
• METHODS
  • Literature Search Strategy
  • Selection Criteria and Methods
  • Exclusion Criteria
  • Critical Appraisal of Individual Studies
• SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE
  • Quantity of Research Available
  • Summary of Critical Appraisal
  • Summary of Findings
  • Limitations
• CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DECISION OR POLICY MAKING
• REFERENCES
• Appendix 1 Selection of Included Studies
• Appendix 2 Summary of Critical Appraisal of Included Studies
• Appendix 3 Main Study Findings and Authors’ Conclusions
• Appendix 4 Summary of definitions of level of confidence and classes of recommendations used in included guidelines

Disclaimer: The Rapid Response Service is an information service for those involved in planning and providing health care in Canada. Rapid responses are based on a limited literature search and are not comprehensive, systematic reviews. The intent is to provide a list of sources of the best evidence on the topic that CADTH could identify using all reasonable efforts within the time allowed. Rapid responses should be considered along with other types of information and health care considerations. The information included in this response is not intended to replace professional medical advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation for or against the use of a particular health technology. Readers are also cautioned that a lack of good quality evidence does not necessarily mean a lack of effectiveness particularly in the case of new and emerging health technologies, for which little information can be found, but which may in future prove to be effective. While CADTH has taken care in the preparation of the report to ensure that its contents are accurate, complete and up to date, CADTH does not make any guarantee to that effect. CADTH is not liable for any loss or damages resulting from use of the information in the report.