After reviewing this tutorial, participants should be able to define the term PET and explain the basic imaging principle of coincidence detection; should be able to explain how PET is different than other modalities; should be able to explain how PET radiopharmaceuticals display organ function rather than anatomy; should be able to state the risks, benefits and clinical value of PET; should be able to name the PET pharmaceuticals available and their physical characteristics; should be able to relate the safety of these drugs; should be able to compare the radiation dose of F-18 FDG to that of other commonly used radiopharmaceuticals; should be able to recognize the chemical structures of FDG and glucose; should be able to discuss reimbursement issues and approved indications for F-18 FDG; and should be able to discuss use of this drug in oncology, neurology, and cardiology.

• What is PET? 
  

• What is the Value of PET 
  

• What are PET Radiopharmaceuticals
  

• Underlying Principle of Utilizing PET Radiopharmaceuticals
  

• Importance of ¹⁸F-FDG

  • Preparation of ¹⁸F-FDG

  • Comparison: Structures of FDG and Glucose
    

• PET Radiopharmaceuticals: ¹¹C Compounds
  

• PET Radiopharmaceuticals: ¹³N, ¹⁵O Compounds
  

• PET Radiopharmaceuticals: ¹⁸F Compounds
  

• PET Radiopharmaceuticals: Other Compounds
  

• PET Reimbursement Issues
  

• PET Pharmaceuticals:Clinical Utility
  • General Tumor Imaging with FDG
  • PET in Cardiology
  • PET in Neurology

Conclusions:

PET has proven to be very useful in Oncology, Cardiology, and Neurology

PET has significantly impacted patient care and has proven to be a very cost-effective way to diagnose and stage diseases, especially in oncology

Medicare and other insurers are approving an increasing number of indications every year.

F-18 FDG will probably replace most other tumor imaging agents within 5 years.