Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Clinical applications of positron emission tomography

  • Chapter
Clinical Nuclear Medicine

Abstract

Advances in positron emission tomography (PET) make it possible to measure the rate of chemical reactions within the human body. This makes it possible to identify disease at the molecular as well as the cellular level in living human beings. PET imaging is revolutionizing medicine by making it possible for the first time to measure in vivo chemistry, expressing the results in absolute units of metres, kilograms and seconds (the MKS system), rather than in relative terms, such as the percentage of the administered dose of radioiodine accumulated by the thyroid, or the amount of thallium-201 in one part of the myocardium compared to another. PET is bringing about a new way of looking at disease, by making it possible to define disease in terms of regional chemistry, measuring regional chemistry in normal persons to provide standards. Then diseases are defined as deviations from the norm by statistical analysis.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Bernardi, S., Trimble, M. R., Frackowiak, R. S. et al. (1983) An interictal study of partial epilepsy using positron emission tomography and the oxygen-15 inhalation technique. J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psych., 46, 473–7.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brunken, R., Tilisch, J., Schwaiger, M. et al. (1986) Regional perfusion, glucose metabolism, and wall motion in patients with chronic electrocardiographic Q wave infarcations: evidence for persistence of viable tissue in some infarct regions by positron emission tomography. Circulation, 73, 951–63.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Camici, P., Araujo, L. I., Spinks, T., et al. (1986) Increased uptake of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose in post-ischemic myocardium of patients with exercise-induced angina. Circulation, 74, 81–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chugani, H. T., Engel, J. Jr, Mazziotta, J. C. and Phelps, M. E. (1984) 18F-2-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission topography in medically refractory childhood epilepsy. Neurol., 34, (Supply 1) 107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deanfield, J. E., Kensett, M., Wilson, R. A. (1984) Silent myocardial ischaemia due to mental stress. Lancet, i, 1001–5.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deanfield, J. E., Shea, M., Ribiero, P. et al. (1984b) Transient ST-segment depression as a marker of myocardial ischemia during daily life, Am. J. Cardiol, 54, 1195–200.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Deanfield, J. E., Shea, M. J., Wilson, R. A. (1986) Direct effects of smoking on the heart: silent ischemic disturbances of coronary flow. Am. J. Cardiol, 57, 1005–9.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Depresseux, J. C, Granck, G. and Sadzot, B. (1984) Regional cerebral blood flow and oxygen uptake rate in human focal epilepsy, in Current Problems in Epilepsy (eds M. Blady-Moulinier, D. H. Ingvar and B. S. Meldrum) pp. 76–81, John Libby, London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Engel, J. Jr, Rausch, R., Lieb, J. P. et al. (1981) Correlation of criteria used for localizing epileptic foci in patients considered for surgical therapy of epilepsy. Ann. Neurol., 9, 215–24.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Engel, J. Jr, Kuhl, D. E., Phelps, M. E. and Mazziotta, J. C. (1982) Interictal cerebral glucose metabolism in partial epilepsy and its relation to EEG chantes. Ann. Neurol., 12, 510–17.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Engel, J. Jr, Kuhl, D. E., Phelps, M. E. and Crandall, P. H. (1982) Comparative localization of epileptic foci in partial epilepsy by PCT and EEG. Ann. Neurol., 12, 529–37.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Engel, J. Jr (1984) The use of PET scanning in epilepsy. Ann. Neurol., 15, (Suppl), 5180–5191.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Engel, J. Jr, Lubens, P., Kuhl, D. E. and Phelps, M. E. (1985) Local cerebral metabolic rate for glucose during petit mal absences. Ann. Neurol., 17, 121–28.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frackowiak, R. S. F., Wise, R. J. (1983) Positron tomography in ischemic cardiovascular disease. Neurol. Clin., 1, 183–200.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein, R. A., Kirkeeide, R., Demer, L. et al. (1986) Assessment of coronary flow reserve with quantitative coronary arteriography. J. Nucl. Med., 27, 943.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gould, K. L. (1978) Noninvasive assessment of coronary stenosis by myocardial perfusion imaging during pharmacological coronary vasodilation. I. Am. J. Cardiol, 41, 267–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gould, K. L., Goldstein, R. A., Mullani, N. A. et al. (1986) Noninvasive assessment of coronary stenoses by myocardial perfusion imaging during pharmacologic coronary vasodilation. VIII. Clinical feasibility of positron cardiac imaging without a cyclotron using generator-produced rubidium-82. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol., 775–89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Grover-McKay, M., Schelbert, H. E., Schwaiger, M. et al. (1986) Identification of impaired metabolic reserve by atrial pacing in patients with significant coronary artery stenosis. Circulation, 74, 281–92.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gur, R. C, Sussman, N. M., Alavi, A. et al. (1982) Positron emission tomography in two cases of childhood epileptic encephalopathy (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome). Neurology, 32, 1191–4.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R. H., McEwan, P., Newam, G. E. et al. (1981) Accuracy of diagnosis of coronary artery disease by measurement of left ventricular function during rest and exercise. Circulation, 64, 586–601.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kannel, W. B. and Abbott, R. D. (1984) Incidence and prognosis of unrecognized myocardial infarction. An update on the Framingham study. N. Engl. J. Med., 311, 1114–47.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuhl, D. E., Engel, J. Jr, Phelps, M. E. and Selin, C. (1980) Epileptic patterns of local cerebral metabolism and perfusion in humans determined by emission computed tomography of 18FOG and 15NH3. Ann. Neurol., 8, 348–60.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kuhl, D. E., Engel, J. Jr and Phelps, M. E. (1983) Emission computed tomography in the study of human epilepsy. Res. Publ. Assoc. Res. Nerv. Ment. Dis., 61, 327–40.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kuhl, D. E., Phelps, M. E., Markham, C. E. et al. (1983) Cerebral metabolism and atrophy in Huntington’s disease determined by FDG and computed tomographic scan. Ann. Neurol., 12, 425–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuhl, D. E., Metter, E. J., Riege, W. H. et al. (1983) Local cerebral glucose utilization in elderly patients with depression, multiple infarct dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. J. Cereb. Bid. Flow. Met., 3, (Suppl 1), 494–5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuhl, D. E. (1984) Annual Oration 1982: Imaging local brain function with emission computed tomography. Radiology, 150, 625–31.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kushner, M., Reivich, ML, Fieschi, C. et al (1987) Metabolic and clinical correlates of acute ischemic infarction. Neurology, 37 (7), 1103–10.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lown, B. (1979) Sudden cardiac death: The major challenge confronting contemporary cardiology. Am.]. Cardiol, 43, 313–28.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall, R. C, Tillisch, J. H., Phelps, M. E. et al (1987) Identification and differentiation of resting myocardial ischemia and infarction in man with position computed tomography; F-18 labelled fluoroctexyglucose and N-13 ammonia. Circulation, 67, 766–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mathias, C. J., Broadack, J. W., Kilbourn, M. R. et al. Biodistribution and metabolism of 16-alpha-(18-F)-fluoro-17-beta-estradiol. J. Nucl. Med., 26, 127.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mazziotta, J. C. and Engel, J. Jr (1984) The use and impact of PET scanning in epilepsy. Epilepsia, 25 (Suppl 2), s86-sl04.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Midwall, J., Ambrose, J., Pichard, A. (1982) Angina pectoris before and after my cardial infarction. Chest, 81, 681–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mintun, M. A., Welch, M. J., Mathias, C. J. et al. (1987) Application of 16-alpha-(18-F) fluoro-17-beta estradiol for the assessment of estrogen receptors in human breast carcinoma. Society of Nuclear Medicine Annual Meeting Abstracts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Muhr, C, Bergstrom, M., Lundberg, P. O. et al. (1986) Dopamine receptors in pituitary adenomas: PET visualization. JCAT, 10, 175–80.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Newmark, M. E., Theodore, W., DeLaPaz, R. et al. (1981) Positron emission tomography in refractory complex partial seizures. Ann. Neurol., 10, 73–4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ochs, R. E., Yamamoto, Y. L., Gloor, R. et al. (1984) Correlation between the PET measurement of glucose metabolism and oxygen utilization with focal epilepsy. Neurol., 34 (Suppl 1), 125.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patronas, N. J., Di Chiro, G., Brooks, R. A. et al. (1982) Work in progress. 18-F-fluorodeoxyglucose and PET in the evaluation of radiation necrosis of the brain. Radiology, 144, 885–9.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Reunanen, A., Aromaa, A, Pyorala, K. (1983) Social Insurance Institution’s coronary heart disease study: Baseline data and 5-year mortality experience. Acta Med. Scand., Suppl 673, 67–81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schelbert, H. R., Henze, E., Phelps, M. E. and Kuhl, D. E. (1982) Assessment of regional myocardial ischemia by positron-emission computed tomography. Am. Heart J., 103, 588–97.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schelbert, H. R., Phelps, M. E. and Shina, K. I. (1983) Imaging metabolism and biochemistry — a look at the heart. Am. Heart. J., 105 (3), 522–6.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schelbert, H. R. (1986) Evaluation of ‘metabolic fingerprints’ of myocardial ischaemia Can. J. Cardiol, Suppl. A. 121A–30A.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schwaiger, M., Brunken, R., Grover-McKay, M. et al. (1986) Regional myocardial metabolism in patients with acute myocardial infarction assessed by positron emission tomography. J. Am. Coll. Cardiol.8, 800–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Selwyn, A. P., Allan, R. M., L’Abbate, A. L. et al. (1982) Relation between regional myocardial uptake of rubi-dium-82 and perfusion: absolute reduction of cation uptake in ischemia. Am. J. Cardiol., 50, 112–21.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Selwyn, A. P., Shea, M., Deanfield, J. et al. (1985) The character of transient myocardial ischemia: Clinical studies and progress using positron emission tomography. Inter. J. Card. Imag., 1, 61–72.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sperling, M. R., Engel, J. Jr, Bradley, W. and Wilson, G. (1985) MRI, PET, and CT in complex partial epilepsy. Epilepsia, 26, 534–5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szelies, B., Herholz, K., Heiss, W. D. et al. (1983) Hypometabolic cortical lesions in tuberous sclerosis with epilepsy: Demonstration by positron emission tomography. J. Comput. Assist. Tomogr., 7, 945–53.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tamaki, N., Yonekura, Y., Senda, M. et al. (1985) Myocardial positron computed tomography with 13N-ammonia at rest and during exercise. Eur. J. Nucl. Med.1, 246–51.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Theodore, W. H., Newmark, M. E., Sato, S. et al. (1983) Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission computed tomography in refractory complex partial seizures. Ann. Neurol., 13, 419–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Theodore, W. H., Brooks, R., Sata, S. et al. (1984) The role of positron emission tomography in the evaluation of seizure disorders. Ann. Neurol., 15 (Suppl), S176–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Theodore, W. H., Brooks, R., Margolin, R. et al. (1985) Positron emission tomography in generalized seizures. Neurol., 35, 684–90.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Theodore, W. H., Dorwart, R., Holmes, M. et al. (1986) Neuroimaging in refractory partial seizures. Comparison of PET, CT, and MRI. Neurol., 36, 60–4.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tillisch, J., Brunken, R., Marshall, R. et al. (1986) Reversibility of cardiac wall-motion abnormalities predicted by positron tomography. N. Engl. J. Med., 314, 884–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wagner, H. N. (1986) Chemical neurotransmission in man. Curr. Cone. Diagn. Nucl. Med., 3, 14–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yano, Y., Budinger, T. E., Chiang, G. et al. (1979) Evaluation and application of alumina-based Rb-82 generators charged with high levels of Sr-82/85. J. Nucl.Med., 20, 961–6.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yano, Y., Cahoon, J. L. and Budinger, T. F. (1981) A precision flow-controlled Rb-82 generator for bolus or constant-infusion studies of the heart and brain. J. Nucl. Med., 22, 1006–10.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Authors
  1. H. N. Wagner Jr.
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Guy’s Hospital, London, UK

    M. N. Maisey

  2. St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, UK

    K. E. Britton

  3. The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada

    D. L. Gilday

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1991 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Wagner, H.N. (1991). Clinical applications of positron emission tomography. In: Maisey, M.N., Britton, K.E., Gilday, D.L. (eds) Clinical Nuclear Medicine. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-3358-4_22

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-3358-4_22

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-412-27900-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-3358-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation