PET scan of the brain.
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Fused image of PET & CT of the brain. |
What is a PET scan?
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is a non-invasive procedure that can be used to assess the normal vs. abnormal glucose metabolism in the brain. The PET scan is performed with a radioactive tracer called fluorodeoxyglucose, or FDG. The FDG is injected into the patient and the patient is imaged with a PET scanner. The PET scanner will create images of the distribution of FDG in the patient’s brain, showing both normal and abnormal areas. The physician will review the images and create a report of the abnormalities that are seen. With a PET scan, physicians can assess:
Brain tumors
The primary use of PET in patients with brain tumors is in those patients who have undergone radiation or Gamma Knife therapy and have a questionable abnormality on an MRI. PET can help determine whether there is residual or recurrent tumor.
Epilepsy
PET is used with epilepsy patients in conjunction with other tests to determine where the seizure may be arising in the brain. This information can be useful when surgery is being contemplated by physicians.
Dementia
PET can be used to evaluate patients with dementia. This test may help to differentiate between the different causes of dementia.
Alzheimer’s Disease
What is the procedure for a PET scan?
Upon Arrival at the PET Imaging Center
The patient’s medical history and any prior PET exams will be reviewed.
The patient’s blood sugar may be checked.
An imaging tracer called Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) is administered by way of injection.
A brief resting period is required before the scanning begins. This resting period is necessary for the FDG to be distributed throughout the patient’s body.
At the time of PET scanning
The patient is positioned on the scan table.
The table is moved into a large opening in the PET scanner.
The patient is asked to lie still while the PET scanner acquires the images.
The time of the scan varies, but will typically range from 40 − 90 minutes.
Some PET facilities perform a CT scan in conjunction with the PET scan.
After the PET scan is completed
The patient is free to go home and resume normal activities.
A technologist will process the computer images.
The reading physician will interpret these images.
A report will be generated and forwarded to the patient’s referring physician.
Does insurance cover a PET scan?
There are specific criteria that a patient must meet for a PET scan to be covered for neurological disorders. The patient should speak with his/her physician to determine if he/she meets this criteria.
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