What is PET/Angio-CT?

PET/angio-CT is one of the established ways to evaluate the vascular system. The method is also known as computed tomography angiography. It has been shown to be useful in tracking the progression and treatment efforts of various vascular diseases, with especial focus on inflammation and cardiovascular diseases.

arteriesImage Credits: Christoph Burgstedt / Shutterstock.com

How does PET/angio-CT work?

PET/angio-CT is done by computer tomography and positron emission tomography, where the body is visualized. Radiotracer is injected prior to use, which then undergoes beta decay to release a positron that goes on to interact with an electron to produce two photons,  detected by the scanners. The distribution of radiotracer is then evaluated.

PET/angio-CT specifically looks at the heart and blood vessels. In addition to standard PET/angio-CT, there is dynamic PET/angio-CT, which tracks movement.

The resolution of commercially available PET/CT scanners lies at around 4 mm, but those with 2 mm resolution are also available. Visualization is done by reconstruction of the collected raw data, which in dynamic PET/angio-CT is taken each 3 seconds or longer.

Using the image acquisition, image construction can be done to show 3D reconstruction of vessels. PET/angio-CT is a step up from the previously preferred method, called isotope angiography. Angio-CT has higher resolution and is more accessible, which largely accounts for its success. Other main benefits of PET/angio-CT include lower radiation exposure than some other methods, fewer artifacts, and better potential for diagnostic use.

The diagnostic performance, in particular, is an important benefit of PER/angio-CT compared to earlier methods. Compared with only PET or angio-CT alone, their use in combination has higher specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy by around 1-19% depending on performance focus.

Applications of PET/angio-CT

The most common application of PET/angio-CT is for visualizing vessels. For example, the method can be used to check whether there are any blockages in arterial vessels such as the aorta and the supra-aortic arteries going up towards the base of the skull, which provide blood supply to the brain. The detection and evaluation of coronary artery disease is a particular target of PET/angio-CT, where it is proving to be more effective than traditional methods and does not require a high radiation dose.

In addition to visualizing vessels to check for blockages, PET/angio-CT can be used to quantify blood flow. Different tracers can be used, but include 13N-ammonia, 15O-water, and 82Rb. Additionally, PET cannot alone determine the reason for changes in blood flow, which can be due, for example, to epicardial coronary artery stenosis or microvascular dysfunction, but PET/angio-CT can potentially be used to better understand underlying causes.

PET/angio-CT’s ability to visualize vascular tissue can be extended to other structures, too. Cancer has been a popular target, with tumors of melanoma, renal cell, colon, and hepatocellular carcinomas targeted. One of the most common applications is for the staging of prostate carcinoma.

PET/angio-CT is also a commonly used method to investigate cardiovascular health. For example, a PET/angio-CT image can show if atrial walls are thickening or if there is hypermetabolism of heart tissue. Thanks to its ability to pinpoint causes of stress and inflammation, the method can be used to check the correct functioning of intracardiac devices, such as automatic defibrillators, and rule out device malfunction as a cause of disease.

Limitations of PET/angio-CT

While it is a powerful visualization tool that can be carried out in many medical facilities many shortcomings of PET/angio-CT still exist. For example, PET/CT is susceptible to high costs, thereby limiting application depending on healthcare systems in place.

The main arteries, such as the femoral arteries and iliac arteries, are easily visualized. More obscured ones, such as the celiac trunk, can occasionally be visualized, whereas vessels in body parts in motion, such as the upper abdomen, can rarely be visualized and are susceptible to giving false-positive results.

The main reason for limitations in the quality of PET/angio-CT images is the long acquisition time. However, it should be noted that discrepancies in visualization can possibly be fixed with improved resolution.

Sources

Drescher, R. and Freesmeyer, M. (2013). PET angiography: application of early dynamic PET/CT to the evaluation of arteries. American Journal of Roentgenology. https://doi.org/10.2214/AJR.12.10438

Rodriguez-Garcia, J. et al. (2018). Role of PET/Angio-CT in the evaluation of intracardiac devices. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rec.2017.05.006

Di Carli, M.F. and Murthy, V.L. (2011). Cardiac PET/CT for the evaluation of known or suspected coronary artery disease. Radio Graphs. https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.315115056

Further Reading

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2020

Sara Ryding

Written by

Sara Ryding

Sara is a passionate life sciences writer who specializes in zoology and ornithology. She is currently completing a Ph.D. at Deakin University in Australia which focuses on how the beaks of birds change with global warming.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Ryding, Sara. (2020, June 17). What is PET/Angio-CT?. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 31, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-is-PETAngio-CT.aspx.

  • MLA

    Ryding, Sara. "What is PET/Angio-CT?". News-Medical. 31 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-is-PETAngio-CT.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Ryding, Sara. "What is PET/Angio-CT?". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-is-PETAngio-CT.aspx. (accessed October 31, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Ryding, Sara. 2020. What is PET/Angio-CT?. News-Medical, viewed 31 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/What-is-PETAngio-CT.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Brain aging may hold the key to predicting Alzheimer’s risk