(PET) Fact Sheet Memory & Aging Project (MAP), Washington University

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Fact Sheet Memory & Aging Project (MAP), Washington University

What is PET?

PET stands for positron emission tomography, which is an imaging study that uses small quantities of radioactive material to examine tissue function. A PET scan is often coupled with a computed tomography scan (CT) or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan so that a structural image can be generated. PET/CT and PET/MRI scans conducted at the Knight ADRC focus on target lesions in the brain such as beta amyloid plaques, that are linked to Alzheimer disease. The location of the radioactive material, which binds to these targets, is shown in the PET image. The PET image is then combined with the structural image, to allow researchers to see exactly where the findings are located in the brain. PET Information Benzinger Lab, Washington University What willWhat happen is PET? before my PET appointment?PET stands for positron emission tomography, which is a type of imaging that uses small quantities of ra- Before schedulingdioactive an appointment, material to examine a research tissue function. coordinator A PET scan is often coupled with a computed tomography will call to ensurescan that (CT) you or a aremagnetic eligible resonance for the imaging specific (MRI) study scan, which generates a structural image. PET/CT for which you areand being PET/MRI recruited. scans conducted For your through safety, our labwe oftenwill ask screening questionsfocus on structures about your within health the brain history. that are Then linked the to Alzheimer Disease, such as beta-amyloid plaques. coordinator willThe help radioactive book an material appointment used during that the fits scan yourbinds Image from www.phillips.com to these targets, and the location of the radioactive The PET machine looks like a large doughnut. The schedule. We willmaterial also provideis shown in detailed the PET image.instructions The PET onimage how tohole in Thethe machinecenter of looksthe machine, like a large called the bore, is then combined with the structural image, which is comparabledoughnut. to the The size hole of in a thesmall center hula -hoop. get to the Centerallows for Clinicalresearchers Imaging to see exactly Research where (CCIR), the findings located of the machine, called the bore, is IV catheter, either in the scanner, or in an exam are located in the brain. in Barnes-Jewish Hospital main (South) campus. room. comparableThe PET portion to the of sizethe scanof a smallmay last up to What will happen two hours.hula-hoop. Short protocols are also available, and before my PET appointment? you can take a break if you need to. Before scheduling an appointment, a research Will I feel anything during the scan? coordinator will call to ensure that you are The scan itself will be completely painless. eligible for the specific study for which you are Although the research coordinatorscontinued andon back...physicians being recruited. For your safety, we will ask screen- will do everything that they can to make the scan as ing questions about your health history. Then the comfortable as possible, you may still coordinator will help book an appointment that fits experience some discomfort from lying still for a long your schedule. We will also provide period of time. Some patients experience detailed instructions on how to get to the claustrophobia while in the scanner. If this is a Center for Clinical Imaging Research (CCIR), concern for you, be sure to discuss it with the located in Barnes-Jewish Hospital main (South) research coordinators. campus. How much radiation will I What should I expect be exposed to during the scan? during my PET appointment? You will be exposed to a small amount of radiation First, the research coordinator will give you a final during the scan. Radiation exposure comes from the overview of the study and accompanying consent injection and also the CT scan. Each research study forms. After all questions are answered and the has a specific radiation exposure which is document- consent form is signed, an intravenous (IV) line will ed in the Informed Consent paperwork. If you have be inserted into your arm. You will then be brought more questions please contact the study coordinator to the scanner, where you will lay flat on your back. for more information regarding the study for which You will be provided with things such as pillows, a you are enrolled. blanket, a padded headrest, and pillows beneath your legs to ensure comfort. A plastic mask (with Where can I find more information? large eye holes) may be placed over your face to The Radiological Society of North America: http:// ensure that your head stays still. You will receive an www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=pet intravenous injection of radioactive material via the

If you have any further questions, contact Dr. Benzinger and the Knight ADRC Research Imaging Team: Phone: (314) 362-1558

What should I expect during Will I feel anything during my PET appointment? the scan? First, the research coordinator will give you a The scan itself will be completely painless. final overview of the study and accompanying Although the research coordinators and consent forms. After all questions are answered physicians will do everything that they can to and the consent form is signed, an intravenous make the scan as comfortable as possible, you (IV) line will be inserted into your arm. You will may still experience some discomfort from lying then be brought to the scanner, where you will still for a long period of time. Some patients lay flat on your back. You will be provided with experience claustrophobia while in the scanner. things such as a blanket, a padded headrest, and If this is a concern for you, be sure to discuss it pillows beneath your legs to ensure comfort. A with the research coordinators. plastic mask (with large eye holes) may be placed over your face to ensure that your head stays How much radiation will I be exposed to during the scan? still. You will receive an intravenous injection of You will be exposed to a small amount of radioactive material via the IV catheter, either radiation during the scan. Radiation exposure in the scanner, or in an exam room. The PET comes from the injection and also the CT scan. portion of the scan may last up to two hours. Each research study carefully monitors the Shorter protocols are also available, and you can specific radiation exposure for each participant take a break if you need to. to ensure that safe limits are not exceeded. If you have more questions please contact the study coordinator for more information regarding the study for which you are enrolled.

Where can I find more information? The Radiological Society of North America: http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=pet

If you have any further questions, contact Dr. Benzinger and the Knight ADRC Research Imaging Team at Phone: (314) 362-1558