What is a PET scan of the brain?
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Positron emission tomography (PET) scans provide two- and three-dimensional pictures of brain activity by measuring radioactive isotopes that are injected into the bloodstream. PET scans of the brain are used to detect or highlight tumors and diseased tissue, measure cellular and/or tissue metabolism, show blood flow, evaluate patients who have seizure disorders that do not respond to
medical therapy and patients with certain memory disorders, and determine brain changes following injury or drug abuse, among other uses. PET may be ordered as a follow-up to a CT or MRI scan to give the physician a greater understanding of specific areas of the brain that may be involved with certain problems. Scans are conducted in a hospital or at a testing facility, on an outpatient basis. A low-level radioactive isotope, which binds to chemicals that flow to the brain, is injected
into the bloodstream and can be traced as the brain performs different functions. The patient lies still while overhead sensors detect gamma rays in the body’s tissues. A computer processes the information and displays it on a video monitor or on film. Using different compounds, more than one brain function can be traced simultaneously. PET is painless and relatively risk-free. Length of test time depends on the part of the body to be scanned. PET scans are performed by skilled technicians at
highly sophisticated medical facilities. Brain Positron Emission Tomography — also called a brain PET/CT scan — is a safe, effective and non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that provides highly detailed images of the brain. A brain PET scan shows metabolic changes that cannot be seen on MRI or CT scans. What is a brain PET/CT scan?Positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly sensitive technology that uses a radioactive substance to show the chemical and functional changes within the brain.
The radiopharmaceutical used is designed to go to the brain.
When might a brain PET/CT scan be needed?A brain PET/CT is used for various conditions, including:
How should I prepare my child for a brain PET/CT scan?You will be given specific instructions when you make your child's appointment. It is very important that you follow all preparation instructions or the scan will be rescheduled. In general:
In addition:
You should expect your visit to last from one and one half to two hours. What should I expect when I bring my child to the hospital for a brain PET/CT scan?When you arrive, please go to the Nuclear Medicine check-in desk on the second floor of the main hospital. A clinical intake coordinator will check in your child and verify his registration information. What happens during a brain PET/CT scan?Obtaining a brain PET/CT scan involves three steps: injection of the radiopharmaceutical, a waiting period, and scanning by the PET/CT machine. Injection of the radiopharmaceutical:
The waiting period:
The PET scan:
Your child will be in the scanner from 15 to 30 minutes. Will my child feel anything during a brain PET/CT scan?Your child may experience some discomfort associated with the insertion of the intravenous needle. The needle used for the procedure is small. Once the radiopharmaceutical is injected, the needle is withdrawn and a bandage is placed over the site of the injection. The area where the injection was given may be a little sore. The PET/CT scanner does not touch your child, nor will he or she feel anything from the scanner. Is a brain PET/CT scan safe?We are committed to ensuring that your child receives the smallest radiation dose needed to obtain the desired result.
What happens after the brain PET/CT scan?Once the brain PET/CT scan is complete, the images will be evaluated for quality. If the scan is adequate, your child will be free to leave and resume normal activity. One of the Boston Children's nuclear medicine physicians will review your child's images and create a report of the findings and diagnosis. How do I learn the results of the brain PET/CT scan?The nuclear medicine physician will provide a report to the doctor who ordered your child's brain PET/CT scan. Your child's doctor will then discuss the results with you. How Boston Children's Hospital approaches a brain PET/CT scanThe Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging program at Boston Children's is committed to providing you with a safe, comfortable, and child-friendly atmosphere with:
Contact usTo schedule an appointment at any of the Department of Radiology’s locations, please call 617-919-SCAN (7226). What is a PET scan used to diagnose in the brain?PET scans can be used to evaluate certain brain disorders, such as tumors, Alzheimer's disease and seizures.
Why would a doctor recommend a PET scan?A PET scan can help doctors test for disease, prepare for surgery, and see how well treatments are working. You might get one for several reasons, but they're most often used with cancer, heart disease, and brain conditions. With heart disease, your doctor might use a PET scan to: Check blood flow to your heart muscles.
Can a PET scan show brain damage?Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a medical imaging technique that can be used to show brain function. Courts have admitted PET scan evidence in cases involving brain damage, injury, toxic exposure, or illness ("brain trauma") and to support claims of diminished cognitive abilities and impulse control.
What is the difference in a PET scan and an MRI?Unlike MRIs, PET scans use positrons. A tracer is injected into your body that allows the radiologist to see the area scanned. An MRI scan can be used when your organ shape or blood vessels are in question, whereas PET scans will be used to see your body's function.
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