Course Description
Positron emission mammography (PEM) is part of the diagnostic toolkit used to help assess patients that have detectable abnormalities in their mammogram. Both PEM and positron emission tomography (PET) can provide functional imaging by using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) that provides detailed information on localization and normal and abnormal contrast uptake in breast tissue. It also provides biochemical and physiological activity of cells at the molecular level and assists in identifying the grade and stage during presurgical planning and helps evaluate treatment options. Unlike PET, PEM is designed for small body parts and utilizes gentle immobilization of the breast to attain higher spatial resolution.
The dedicated PET breast scanner (PEM) has much higher sensitivity and spatial resolution compared with whole-body PET computed tomography scanners. The crystal detectors in PEM are constructed to provide this improved spatial resolution. The design of a dedicated PET system for breast imaging was first presented in 1994, and since then, different approaches have been developed to enhance the detectability of breast lesions. These scanners can use positioning like mammography or patients can be imaged in the prone position. Multiple scanner designs were developed and evaluated in a small number of patients which set the stage for the currently available commercial PEM scanners.
This book chapter will first discuss the principles behind molecular imaging with positron emitting isotopes and the technical and performance parameters important to the design of dedicated PEM scanners. Early clinical results and comparisons to whole-body PET and magnetic resonance imaging with various systems will also be reviewed. The potential for PEM-guided biopsy is also discussed, however, the clinical utility requires further investigation.
Course Curriculum
Your Instructors
Scanalotcourse
About Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive musculoskeletal disease that affects over 240 million people worldwide with the hip and knee joints most often involved due to their weight-bearing roles. This disease is characterized by articular cartilage degeneration and bone remodeling which can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Digital radiography (DR) is the primary imaging modality for patients with OA due to its accessibility, low cost, and ability to reveal key features such as joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophyte formation. Digital radiography is also used to stage OA, monitor disease progression, and guide treatment planning. Radiologic technologists (RTs) play a central role in OA assessment by performing standard hip and knee imaging studies while accommodating a patient's OA-related pain and mobility challenges when needed. This course begins with an overview of hip and knee joint anatomy and the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical presentation of OA. Learners will explore the strengths and limitations of DR, patient care strategies, recommended radiographic projections, and image evaluation criteria. This course concludes with a review of radiographic signs of OA, common grading systems, and DR's role in managing patients with OA. Upon completion of this course, RTs will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to safely and accurately produce high-quality hip and knee images for OA assessment.