Services
PET/CT
Medical Arts Radiology offers the latest technology in nuclear imaging with the introduction of the GE Discovery ST PET/CT scanner. Medical Arts was the first site in Suffolk County to offer PET/CT and our radiologists have obtained extensive experience in the performance and interpretation of this important imaging modality.
PET/CT combines two machines in one, so that the physiologic activity of PET can be matched with the anatomical information of CT. The two studies are fused, creating one image. The result is greater diagnostic accuracy in localizing abnormalities than PET or CT alone.
PET/CT scanning is performed after injecting radio-labeled sugar (FDG) into an arm vein. After waiting about an hour to allow the sugar to circulate, the scan is started. Since cancerous cells are metabolically more active than normal cells, and therefore use more sugar for energy, they appear as “hot-spots” relative to normal cells. This information, fused with the anatomical CT information, pinpoints the exact location of the abnormality.
PET/CT leads to improved diagnostic confidence and can reduce the need for biopsies and unnecessary surgeries. Diagnoses can be made earlier, with greater accuracy in staging and localization, with more precise treatment and better patient monitoring. Finally, overall patient comfort is increased due to shorter scan times.
PET/CT can be used, as follows, for various types of imaging:
Oncology
- Determine benign from malignant in suspicious areas
- Assess tumor aggressiveness-grading
- Whole body scan for distant metastases
- Early detection of recurrent tumors
- Superior detection of nodal spread
- Monitor success of therapy
Neurology
- Diagnose Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
- Parkinson's disease - diagnosis of movement disorders
Cardiology
- Evaluate heart for blood flow
- signs of coronary artery disease
- heart function
PET/CT has a high degree of accuracy for presence or spread of:
- lung cancer
- colorectal cancer
- ovarian cancer
- melanoma
- breast cancer
- brain tumors
- lymphoma
- head and neck tumors
- pancreatic cancer
PET/CT imaging offers fast results with no harm to the patient in the diagnosis, staging and restaging in many areas of oncology. PET/CT has shown to be an asset to many physicians in determining the treatment needed for their patients. Most insurance companies cover PET/CT scan for lymphoma, lung, breast, colorectal and esophageal cancers, head and neck cancer, and melanoma.
PET/CT Patient Preparation
The following high protein/low carbohydrate diet MUST be followed 24 hours prior to your PET/CT scan:
Foods to AVOID :
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Foods that MAY be consumed:
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Drink water with every meal the day before the test. Three to four glasses of water should be consumed the day of the test.
DO NOT DRINK LIQUIDS THROUGH A STRAW
NO EXERCISE 48 HRS PRIOR TO TEST
You are required to fast 6-8 hrs prior to your appointment time. You may take medications with water. Dress comfortably – loose clothing, no metal.
You can expect to be at Medical Arts for approximately two hours.
What should I expect during this exam?
You receive an intravenous (IV) injection of the radioactive substance.
The radioactive substance will then take approximately 30 to 90 minutes to travel through your body and be absorbed by the tissue under study. During this time, you will be asked to rest quietly and avoid significant movement or talking, which may alter the localization of the administered substance.
You will be positioned on the PET scanner table and be asked to lie still during your exam. Scanning takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Some patients who are being evaluated for heart disease may undergo a stress test in which PET scans are obtained while they are at rest, and again after undergoing the administration of a pharmaceutical to alter the blood flow to the heart.
Usually, there are no restrictions on daily routine after the test. You should drink plenty of fluids to flush the radioactive substance from your body.
For more information on this topic, please visit www.Radiologyinfo.org.
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