NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Positron Emission Tomography, commonly referred to as PET, represents one of the most advanced diagnostic imaging modalities used in modern medicine. Unlike conventional imaging techniques that rely on anatomical visualization, PET provides functional and metabolic insights at the cellular level, offering critical information about biochemical changes long before structural abnormalities become apparent.

The foundation of PET lies in the detection of positron-emitting radioisotopes. These isotopes, such as fluorine-18, carbon-11, or oxygen-15, are incorporated into biologically active molecules known as radiotracers. When injected into the patient, these tracers accumulate in specific tissues based on metabolic activity. As the isotopes decay, they emit positrons that interact with electrons, generating gamma photons that are detected by the PET scanner. The resulting data is then reconstructed into three-dimensional images that illustrate functional activity within the body.

A major strength of Positron Emission Tomography is its ability to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, making it invaluable in oncology. PET scans can detect cancerous activity even when anatomical imaging modalities like MRI or CT appear normal. This allows physicians to diagnose malignancies at earlier stages, assess treatment response, and monitor for recurrence with exceptional accuracy.

In neurology, PET imaging plays a crucial role in understanding brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy. It helps measure glucose metabolism, neurotransmitter function, and receptor binding in real time. By detecting metabolic decline before structural brain atrophy occurs, PET allows for early diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore, PET is increasingly used in psychiatric research to explore brain activity patterns associated with depression, schizophrenia, and cognitive dysfunction.