IMAGING

TECHNICS
ŞULE ELVAN ŞENLER/193501005
NİLSU ŞENGÜL/193501028
WHAT IS PET
SCAN?
PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan,
which is an imaging test that uses
radioactive material to diagnose diseases
such as tumors, heart disease, and brain
disorders. Unlike some other scans that
primarily show structural details, a PET scan
provides a view of the body's functioning.
HOW DO PET SCAN WORK?
In a PET scan, a small amount of radioactive liquid, typically FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose),
is injected into the patient. FDG is a radiolabeled sugar that emits energy in the body.
The rate at which this sugar is absorbed by the body's tissues reflects their activity.
Rapidly growing cells, like cancer, consume more sugar, appearing as bright hot spots
on the scan. Conversely, areas with minimal tracer uptake may indicate unhealthy
tissue or reduced blood flow.
 1 FINDING TUMORS 4 DIAGNOSING
AND EVALUATING
HEART DISEASE

WHEN IS A 2 MONITORING THE 5 IN REFRACTORY

SPREAD OR EPILEPSY- TO
PET SCAN RECURRENCE OF ASSES WHETHER
CANCER A PERSON IS
DONE? 3 MONITORING A
SUITABLE FOR
SURGERY
TUMOUR’S
RESPONSE TO
TREATMENT
 HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A PET SCAN?
To prepare for a PET scan, expect to spend 2 to 3 hours at the PET imaging department, even though
the scan itself takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Before the scan, consider the following:

1 Inquire about any dietary restrictions.

2 Bring any prior X-ray or radiology images

3 Inform the staff if you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or might be pregnant.

4 Disclose if you have diabetes.

5 Mention any concerns about being in a confined space to the staff.

HOW IS A PET SCAN PERFORMED?
After arriving at the hospital or radiology centre, you will change into a gown and remove all metal and
jewellery items. Staff will insert an intravenous line into a vein on the back of your hand or arm. Your blood
sugar levels will be checked and then the radioactive tracer will be injected into your vein through the
intravenous line.
You may then need to rest quietly in a bed or chair for 90 minutes. For some scans you may need to drink
some contrast material. You will be able to empty your bladder before the scans.
The PET scanner has a flat bed which slides into a round opening. Once in the PET scanner, you will be asked to
remain as still as possible, while the scans are being done. You can tell the staff if you get stiff or
uncomfortable, or if you are feeling claustrophobic.
The scan usually does not take more than 20 minutes.
After the scanning, staff will check the images. They will remove your intravenous line. After the test you
should drink plenty of water to flush out the radioactive tracer. If you are breastfeeding, you will be given
specific instructions.
A specialist will examine the scans and write a report for your doctor, who will explain the results to you.
ARE PET SCAN IS
SAFE?
PET scans are generally very safe.
There are no significant side effects
related to the radioactive tracers, as they
remain in the body for a short duration.
The radiation dose is minimal, akin to
several years' worth of natural
environmental radiation.
Allergic reactions are exceptionally rare,
and when they do occur, they are usually
minor.
WHAT IS CT SCAN?
A CT scan, also known as computed axial
tomography (CAT) scan, is a type of X-ray that
produces 2- or 3-dimensional images of the body.
CT scans are used to provide clear images of
various body parts, including bones, organs (such
as the brain), soft tissues, and blood vessels.
They are valuable for diagnosing medical
conditions, including internal injuries resulting from
accidents, enabling doctors to prescribe
appropriate treatments.
 During a CT scan, a circular machine moves around you in a
doughnut-shaped motion.
As it moves, it takes X-rays of thin 'slices' of your body.
HOW IT WORKS? A computer then processes these X-ray images to create 3-
dimensional (3D) images.
This process provides a multi-angle view of the inside of your
body for diagnostic purposes.

CT scans offer more detailed imaging than X-rays.

WHAT ARE THE They are preferred by doctors when examining soft body
tissues, which may not be well-visible in X-rays.
DIFFERENCES FROM CT scans utilize multiple X-ray images, but this results in a
higher level of radiation exposure compared to a standard X-
OTHER X-RAYS? ray.
 WHY WE USE CT SCAN?
1 look at the structure and anatomy (shape) of parts of your body

2 diagnose and monitor different conditions such as a tumour or an infection

3 check for injuries after a serious accident

4 help plan treatment such as surgery or radiotherapy

5 help guide doctors doing a biopsy

HOW WE CAN PREPARE FOR A CT SCAN?
Before a CT scan, the hospital or radiology practice will provide instructions. Depending on the
scan, you might receive an injection of non-radioactive contrast material to enhance blood
vessels and organ visibility. If contrast material is required, fasting before the appointment
may be necessary. During the scan, it's important to remain still, and for pediatric patients,
practicing lying still at home can be helpful preparation.

WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT TO CT SCAN?

CT scans can vary based on the individual and the purpose of the scan. Before the scan, you might
receive contrast material to enhance image quality, which can briefly cause unusual sensations like a
metallic taste or warmth. During the scan, you'll lie still on a flat bed that moves into the doughnut-
shaped CT scanner, with instructions to maintain normal breathing and occasionally hold your breath.
The entire CT scan typically lasts around 10 to 15 minutes, and after it's completed, you can leave
and discuss the results with your doctor.
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RISKS?
1 Allergic reaction

2 Radiation Exposure

3 Pregnancy
WHAT ARE THE
DIFFERENCES
BETWEEN PET
SCAN AND CT
SCAN?
WHAT IS MRI?
An MRI scan provides detailed internal body images,
especially of soft tissues, without requiring surgery.
During an MRI, the patient lies on a table that moves
through a tunnel inside the MRI scanner. Strong
magnetic fields and radio waves generate signals from
the body, which are processed by a computer to
create detailed images. MRI offers highly detailed
pictures, avoids X-ray radiation, and is a painless
imaging method.
WHY WE USE MRI?
An MRI is used to show certain problems, such as an injury, or in combination with other tests to
diagnose a condition.

1 An MRI scan can be used to examine the:

brain and spinal cord
bones and joints
breasts
heart and blood vessels
internal organs, such as the liver, womb or prostate gland

2
MRI is generally used for investigation, diagnosis and planning of treatment of:
tumours
joint injury or disease
soft tissue injury
internal organ damage
IS MRI SAFE?
MRI is generally a safe procedure, but certain considerations apply. Patients must remain still
in a confined space, and the scan duration can vary from 10 minutes to over 2 hours. For
those with claustrophobia, sedation or distractions like CDs may help. Young children may
require general anesthesia to stay still. Some individuals with specific implants like pacemakers
or metal objects can't have an MRI due to potential harm from metal-magnet interaction. It's
crucial to inform the doctor and radiology practice about such implants to determine if an
alternative scan is needed. Avoid wearing makeup or hairspray containing metal particles,
which can interfere with the scan or cause heating. MRI is generally considered safe during
pregnancy, but consultation with a doctor is advisable, especially in early pregnancy.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING MRI SCAN?
During an MRI scan, you may be required to fast before the procedure and discuss any
metal in your body, pregnancy concerns, kidney problems, or claustrophobia with the
staff. You'll change into a gown and secure personal items in a locker. Depending on the
scan, contrast dye may or may not be injected to enhance tissue visibility. While lying
on a table, you'll hold a buzzer to communicate with the radiographer in a separate
room and wear earplugs or headphones due to the MRI scanner's noise. Leads may be
placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat, a plastic tube on your finger to track
breathing and heart rate, or a needle inserted into a vein for medication if necessary.
The body part being scanned will be positioned and secured, with special coils placed
around it to collect signals for image creation, while the table moves in and out of the
MRI scanner.
SIDE EFFECTS AND ALTERNATIVES
MRI scans generally have no known side-effects, except when specific implants or
objects unsuitable for the scanner are involved. After the scan, you can resume your
normal activities. If sedation or medication was administered during the scan, you may
experience side effects or drowsiness, and the staff will provide guidance on post-
scan procedures and driving eligibility.
Potential complications include physical harm if safety protocols regarding metal are
not followed, allergic reactions to contrast dye, or worsening of kidney function after
contrast dye administration.
Alternative imaging methods to MRI scans include x-rays, CT scans, and ultrasound.
WHAT IS
SPECT SCAN?
Single Photon Emission Computed
Tomography (SPECT) is a non-invasive
nuclear imaging technique that helps
assess the functioning of organs in the
body, such as blood flow in the heart
and chemical reactions within the body.
HOW IT WORKS?
SPECT imaging works by injecting a radioactive tracer into the patient's bloodstream, which
emits gamma rays. A gamma camera rotates around the patient, capturing these rays to
create three-dimensional images or thin slices of the subject, similar to computed tomography
(CT) scans. The main tracers used in SPECT imaging include technetium-99m, iodine-123, and
iodine-131. This technique helps visualize organ function and blood flow within the body.
 APPLICATIONS AND BENEFITS OF
SPECT SCAN
SPECT imaging has various applications and benefits, including cost-effectiveness compared to PET
scans, with a resolution of about 1 cm. It can assess heart blood flow, revealing areas of poor and
good flow, and serve as a nuclear stress test. SPECT scans detect coronary artery blockages and
diagnose hidden bone fractures, monitor cancer spread to bones, and evaluate treatment
responses. They are useful for identifying brain areas affected by disorders like Dementia, Epilepsy,
and head injuries. SPECT quantifies blood flow changes during seizures and helps locate seizure foci.
Additionally, it diagnoses gallbladder diseases, evaluates gallbladder function, and aids in liver
transplant follow-up.
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