During the past decade Positron Emission Tomography (PET) has turned
from a highly sophisticated tool developed for basic research in
neurology and cardiology into an advanced nuclear medicine imaging
technique ready for routine use. Along with remarkable technical
improvements, an overwhelming number of PET studies has been published
covering not only scientific but also relevant clinical problems. Due to
this rapid development, comprehensive information about the current
status of 'clinical' PET is lacking.
In this book the applications of PET in neurology, cardiology and
oncology are discussed in separate sections. In each section, following
an introduction reviewing the present clinical demands, special
diagnostic problems and their possible solution by PET are addressed.
Results of conventional scintigraphic techniques are also mentioned, and
compared with PET. In the last section, technical aspects (e.g.
instrumentation, software) are presented, including statements of
representatives of leading manufacturers in the field.
Clinical PET provides a critical overview of relevant applications of
PET for all those who are starting to run a PET facility or are planning
to do so. The book is also dedicated to interested clinicians who are
willing to utilize the diagnostic potential of PET.