Cranial PET CT

Positron emission tomography or PET is a non-invasive nuclear medicine technique that allows evaluating the metabolic activity of cells present in organs and tissues of the body by administering small doses of radiopharmaceuticals.

PET can be combined with the CT technique, known as PET CT, to locate benign or malignant tumors and see which tissues are affected by metastases.

In addition, it allows us to see if there are areas affected by metastases, as well as to evaluate the efficacy and response of the body to chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment.

Cranial PET CT

What does it consist of?

First the CT is performed and then the PET. The CT allows to obtain images of cuts or sections of the whole body using X-radiation. While the PET allows to evaluate the metabolic activity of the cells present in the organs and tissues of the body by means of the administration of small doses of radioactive radiotracers. Subsequently, a computer joins the images so that they can be seen in three dimensions and thus have as much information as possible about what they want to study.

Before carrying out the test, we will carry out a glycemia control (blood sugar) and, then, we will proceed to the administration of the intravenous contrast. From this moment on, you must remain at rest for approximately one hour so that the contrast is distributed throughout the body evenly. Subsequently, a radiologist technician will accommodate you on the PET-CT stretcher to perform the test. You should lie face up with your head resting on a cushion. Next, the stretcher will move until the area to be studied is in the center of the PET-CT equipment.

Instructions

How should you prepare?

Pregnancy: This test is contraindicated during pregnancy. For 24 hours after the test, you should stay away from pregnant women and children, as the radiopharmaceutical administered is radioactive.
Fasting: You must go to the test with a minimum of 6 hours of fasting and drink approximately one liter of water. Although fasting is required, patients with chronic pathologies (kidney failure, hypertension, diabetes, etc.) can take their usual medication.
Contrast administration: Before performing the test we will perform a glycemia (blood sugar) control and, then, we will proceed to the administration of intravenous contrast. In general, an analysis performed in the last 3 months is necessary to check that they have correct creatinine levels before the administration of iodinated contrast medium in patients with the possibility of renal failure.
Breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding, you should interrupt it for the next 24 hours. You should discard breast milk.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to remove contrast or radiopharmaceutical as soon as possible.

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