PET CT choline

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.

The PET CT choline allows to determine the extension and severity of the prostatic neoplasia, or to locate areas of recurrence of prostate cancer.

Administration of C11 or F18 Choline contrast, which adheres to cancer cells, provides more precise information on the extent and location of the tumor within the prostate and surrounding tissues.

How it is performed?

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.

Preparation for the exploration

Instructions

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 (renal failure, hypertension, diabetes, etc.) can take their usual medication.
Contrast administration: 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. In general, an analysis carried out in the last 3 months is necessary to verify that they have correct creatinine values before the administration of the iodinated contrast medium in patients with the possibility of renal failure.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water to eliminate the contrast or radiopharmaceutical as soon as possible.

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