Hybrid PET/MR: Updated Clinical Use and Potential Applications

AbstractPurpose of ReviewSimultaneous positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance was released few years ago and there is a (non-official) perspective of almost 100 scanners worldwide being installed until 2016. Despite the enormous marketing success for such an expensive and fine hybrid imaging tool, PET/MR is still seen primarily as a research tool. Currently this clinical validation process is more than necessary to justify the additional expenses in a world with increasing difficulties regarding health system reimbursement.Recent FindingsThe current PET/MR feasibility has been demonstrated with the published data so far in almost every body region, with great potential applications. The main fields of research in PET/MR are oncologic and neurologic, basically for two reasons: (1) because almost 90  % of PET/CT studies come from oncology; (2) and also because of the recent development of new medications and treatments for dementia, making PET/MR an important character in this new scenario. Inflammation has become the newest potential application, and will also be discussed further on.SummaryIn this article such potential clinical PET/MR applications are compiled and updated and will be  thoroughly discussed.

Source: Current Radiology Reports - October 6, 2016 Category: Radiology Source Type: research