This presentation will introduce the underlying concepts and motivations for the clinical use of FDG PET-MRI, then demonstrate its immediate impact for imaging in dementia and epilepsy.
Integrated PET-MRI is a recent technological innovation with the potential to change radiology practice. Our institution was one of the first places in the United States to use PET-MRI in daily clinical practice. This presentation will introduce the underlying concepts and motivations for PET-MRI, then demonstrate its immediate impact for imaging in dementia and epilepsy. There are many practical benefits when combining these two imaging modalities for patients, referrers, administrators and imaging specialists. Integrated PET-MRI increases radiologist confidence and accuracy for difficult diagnoses compared to conventional methods and workflows. PET-MRI has enormous potential for translation research. Many of the lessons and experiences from neuroradiology should be broadly applicable to other areas of radiology.
OBJECTIVES:
Describe indications for FDG PET in epilepsy and dementia.
Describe practical benefits of integrated PET-MRI to the many stakeholders in medical imaging.
Describe key conditions for building a successful integrated PET-MRI clinical service.
Describe potential clinical and research synergies from combining MRI and PET.