PET-CT

Principle and interpretation

The English acronym is PET-CT. FDG is a common tracer, but others exist. Uptake may reflect tumor, inflammation or physiological activity depending on tracer and context.

Indications, limitations and precautions

It is used for targeted indications, including cancer or infection assessment. It is not a general screening test for all spinal pain, and interpretation requires other clinical information.

Points to consider

An investigation is selected to answer a specific question about bone, neural tissue, metabolic activity or vessels, for example. Techniques provide different information. Preparation and precautions vary by protocol; follow the imaging service’s instructions.

Role of TAGMED care

At TAGMED, assessment aims to understand symptoms, history and functional limitations. Manual care and osteopathy, motorized spinal decompression, laser and shockwave have different indications. The term described in this entry is not enough to select any of these modalities. Their relevance, limitations and possible contraindications should be discussed in relation to diagnosis and individual goals.

Related concepts and distinctions

These concepts belong to the same field, but are not synonyms.

• SPECT-CT — Hybrid examination combining single-photon emission computed tomography with CT to anatomically localize radiotracer uptake.
• EOS imaging — Biplanar radiographic system enabling weight-bearing acquisition with reduced dose in some protocols and suitable geometric reconstructions.
• Bone scintigraphy — Nuclear medicine examination showing skeletal radiotracer distribution, related partly to bone turnover and blood supply.

Medical references

1. American College of Radiology / RSNA, RadiologyInfo. PET/CT.
2. Radiological Society of North America. RadLex Radiology Lexicon — terminology resource.

References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.