Positron+Emission+Tomography

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= = =Definition= = =
 * Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans** are used by physicians in order to detect diseases such as cancers, damaged heart tissues and brain disorders by use of three dimensional colored images produced by temporary radioactive substances. A half-lived[[image:42811032_88b216a81a_m_small.jpg align="right" link="http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=42811032&size=s"]] radiopharmaceutical are sent through the patient's body.

Uses
The PET scan is commonly used to study brain activity and diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer, ADD, OCD, and Tourettes. It is also used as a leading aid in cancer detection. In addition, it helps in discovering coronary artery disease by determining blood flow to and from the heart. = = = = =History=

PET scans were invented in 1975 by Dr. Ron Nutt and Dr. David Townsend. The PET scan originally started out as a CAT scan that utilized a PET scanner. Two consoles were originally needed to operate the scanner; one for the CAT scan, the other for the PET. In 1968, the Royal Adelaide Hospital investigated PET scanners to survey bones but found the invention far too slow and inefficient. This new technology did not enter the main stream of medicine until the '90s because it was then proven patient friendly. Australia established its first PET scanner in the '90s and soon many other world-renown hospitals followed. By the year 2000 //[|Time Magazine]// named it invention of the year.

=Procedure= Before entering the PET scanner, an injection of radioactive chemicals (FDG), usually glucose, takes place. This chemical, [|fluerodioxyglucose], is capable of identifying the areas of the brain, kidney, and cancer-cells that use the most glucose. This enables doctors to see the specific area more clearly in the PET. In some cases, the radionuclide is inhaled rather than injected. After the appropriate time has taken place, in order for the FDG to accumulate in the targeted areas, the scan will begin. The patient is to lay very still as the scan goes slowly over the focused on area of the body. = = = = = = =Links= [|How does the procedure work?] [|How is PET performed?] [|What is PET?] [|Where are PET images?] [|Images?]